House pushes regulation of food technology in PH

With 189 affirmative votes, the Lower House passed House Bill 6714 (Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on final reading a measure seeking to regulate the practice of food technology in the Philippines.

With 189 affirmative votes, the Lower House passed House Bill 6714, or the Philippine Food Technology Act, which seeks the creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology (PRBFT).

The bill aims to develop and nurture competent, ethical, and globally competitive food technologists.

The PRBFT, under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission, shall provide for a more effective supervision, control and regulation of the practice of food technology in the country, as well as adopt a program for full computerization of a licensure examination.

The proposed regulatory body shall also come up with a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for the practice of food technology.

The bill requires applicants for food technologists to pass the licensure examination.

It seeks to impose a fine of PHP40,000 to PHP150,000 or an imprisonment of six months to four years against individuals who pose as food technologists without passing the licensure examination, or with invalid, suspended or revoked professional license.

Those who will allow another person to use their certificate of registration or professional license or temporary special permit as a food technologist will also be punished with the same sanctions