Restaurants operating in Angeles City will soon be required to disclose the nutritional information of food on their menus.
Restaurants and fast-food chains will be required to secure, as an additional requirement for operation, a Nutrition Disclosure Compliance Certificate (NDCC) from the City Health Office (CHO), within six months after an ordinance filed by Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is approved by the City Council.
The nutritional information, as provided for in the ordinance, should include total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, and total protein.
Lazatin said that the proposed ordinance aims to promote a healthier and more balanced lifestyle among residents of this city.
“Having the nutritional information of various food items clearly visible on the menu allows consumers to be more discerning with the food that they eat,” said Lazatin. “Consumers will have an easier time to distinguish between healthy food items and those that are not.”
Establishments that failed to comply with the ordinance or declared false nutritional information will pay a fine of P5,000 to P10,000.
On July 13, 2016, Lazatin also filed a proposed ordinance banning the sale of junk foods and carbonated drinks within school premises in this city.
The Ordinance aims to protect and promote the health of school children by limiting their exposure to potentially harmful food and drinks.
“Health is the most priority for the children. Since school is considered as the second home of our children, I believe we should be vigilant and make sure they only eat nutritional foods,” said Lazatin.