The Philippines FDA Releases Food Enterprise Licensing Rules, Seeking Comments Until December 9

On November 18, 2024, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consultation document to develop rules and regulations for food business licensing and registration of processed food businesses, with a public comment period until December 9, 2024. The main contents of the document include:

(1) Purpose. Clarify the procedures and requirements for food operator licensing and registration of processed food;

(2) Scope and definition of application;

(3) Licensing guidelines. It provides the conditions for food production and processing, import and export, sales and other activities to obtain licenses. All businesses must adhere to Good Hygiene practices (GHP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory practices (GLP), Good Distribution and Storage Practices (GDSP), and HACCP principles. Both domestic and import enterprises need to submit product source name, address and product list online through the electronic system. Special foods (such as foods with fortified ingredients, iodized salt, etc.) must meet the requirements of the import regulations, including sampling testing or the provision of test results and other necessary conditions. After obtaining the license, salt importers do not need to apply for other licenses when importing, but the products are subject to monitoring and testing. The document also covers the specific process of applying for permission;

(4) Guidelines for registration of processed foods. Medium - and high-risk imported foods (such as infant formula, milk powder supplements, infant food, food for special medical purposes, special dietary foods, bottled water, etc.) must upload the corresponding certificate of analysis in the FDA's electronic system. Products should meet current Codex standards, Philippine national standards, and chemical and microbiological parameters and nutritional requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, documents such as a foreign agency agreement or contract, a GMP certificate or equivalent, a phytosanitary certificate or health certificate, an ISO 22000 certificate or HACCP certificate, and a certificate of free sale issued by the competent authority are required.