BTA authorized Food Labeling Act to promote inclusivity

By JOHN PEPS M.DALES
MSU-Marawi Intern

BANGSAMORO Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament recently passed the Food Labeling Act, sponsored primarily by MP Dr. Hashemi N. Dilangen.

Bill No. 164 or the Food Labeling Act authored by Dr. Dilangen together with other Bangsamoro lawmakers was approved on its first reading during a plenary session on June 19, 2023.

This legislation requires renowned fast food chains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to provide explicit labeling of food items as either "with pork" or "non-pork". 

The bill also aims to promote inclusivity among different religious communities and enhance the region's food tourism industry.

Dilangen is currently working with other lawmakers to ensure the swift passage of the bill's remaining readings.

The bill necessitates all branches and establishments of renowned fast-food restaurants operating in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to appropriately indicate whether their food products and condiments contain pork or not. 

Restaurants are required to label their food items as either 'with pork' or 'non-pork,' by the proposed law. 

Dilangen emphasized that the Food Labeling Act aims to provide crucial details to consumers about the diverse food options offered in fast-food chain restaurants. 

“It can aid restaurants in avoiding potential conflicts with food items that have pork ingredients,” said Dilangen.

Apart from fast-food chains, Dilangen stated that one significant aspect of the bill is to include online delivery applications. 

He said these applications have become increasingly popular over time, and consumers often utilize them for convenience and efficient purchases. 

Therefore, Dilangen deems it necessary to ensure that online delivery platforms accurately label their food products, following the guidelines stated in the legislation.

Dilangen further emphasized that the Food Labeling Act holds a significant role in promoting inclusivity, particularly among Muslims and other religious communities who refrain from eating pork. 

Moreover, when the bill is implemented, it is likely to elevate the BARMM region's food tourism industry by enticing visitors from neighboring Muslim countries to sample food from these restaurants.

The said legislation will apply to all food establishments and restaurants operating within the BARMM region, provided their asset size is at least 5 million, according to Dilangen.

Dilangen is currently working closely with MP Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama Alba to pass the bill through its remaining readings and ultimately ensure its prompt implementation.