Food safety in the Philippines: Problems and solutions

Issue Date

1-2015

Abstract

This is a review of the challenges that are faced by the food safety control and regulatory systems in the Philippines. The components of the national Food Safety Network, namely agriculture and fisheries (fresh produce), the food industry (food manufacturing, distribution and retail outlets), the food service sector (restaurants, caterers, street vendors) and the consumers (household consumption) are described. The corresponding responsible regulatory agencies/bureaus and services and regulatory tools (laws) for each of the components are characterised. The national food safety strategy is being implemented by several government agencies and bureaus and is therefore highly fragmented with plenty of overlap and gaps. This has resulted in more often reactive rather than pre-emptive government response to food borne illness outbreaks and recalls of substandard quality products in the market. A firm declaration of national policy on food safety and the creation of a single authority mandated with a focused integrated and comprehensive plan of action will ensure the delivery of safe food to consumers in the country. An overview of the food safety situation is presented highlighting major problems, and possible solutions are discussed.

Source or Periodical Title

Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops and Foods

ISSN

1757-8361

Volume

7

Issue

1

Page

45-56

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Agriculture and fisheries, Food poisoning, Food safety, Food safety capacity, Philippines, Regulations, Street foods

Identifier

doi:10.3920/QAS2014.x008.

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS