Food Health Rating System: A Step Forward or Potential Pitfall for Filipino Families?
As Filipino families across our archipelago struggle with rising food costs and health concerns, Senator Raffy Tulfo's proposed Health Rating Label Act offers both promise and potential problems for ordinary consumers.
The bill, which seeks to implement a 1-to-5 rating system on packaged foods, comes at a critical time. Recent government data shows alarming health trends: 17 out of every 100 Filipino adults are overweight, while 40 out of every 100 are obese. These numbers reflect a growing crisis that affects families from Luzon's rural provinces to Mindanao's urban centers.
How the System Would Work
Under Senate Bill 1668, all packaged foods would receive ratings based on calories, saturated fat, sodium, sugar content, and fiber. A rating of 5 would indicate the most nutritious options, while 1 would signal less healthy choices.
The system would apply to both local and imported products sold in physical stores and online platforms. Manufacturers and importers would calculate ratings for Food and Drug Administration approval, with penalties ranging from warnings to license revocation for non-compliance.
House Speaker Bojie Dy has filed a companion measure using a star system, similar to Australia and New Zealand's approach.
Expert Perspectives: Benefits and Concerns
Registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian sees potential in the proposal, particularly for helping Filipinos understand saturated fat content related to heart disease and sodium levels affecting hypertension.
However, Sebastian raises important concerns about oversimplification. "The rating system may foster a mindset where food is seen as either 'good' or 'bad,' overlooking how different foods can fit into a balanced diet," she explains.
This concern resonates particularly in our diverse archipelago, where food traditions vary significantly across regions and economic circumstances differ greatly between urban and rural areas.
The Reality of Filipino Food Choices
The proposal must consider the economic reality facing Filipino families. Recent Department of Agriculture data shows vegetables cost P59 to P270 per kilo, while fruits range from P54 to P338 per kilo in Metro Manila markets.
Sebastian notes that foods often labeled as "bad" are frequently the most accessible and affordable options for many families. "I want to see bills making fruits and vegetables cheaper," she emphasizes.
The 2023 National Nutrition Survey reveals that 31.4% of Filipino households experience moderate to severe food insecurity, with 2.7% severely food insecure.
Beyond Food Labels: Broader Health Factors
Health challenges extend beyond food choices. About 75% of Filipino adolescents and 46.9% of adults don't get enough physical activity. Urban planning issues, particularly in Metro Manila where residents spend hours in traffic, limit opportunities for exercise.
Air quality concerns also affect health outcomes. The Philippines recorded 14.8 micrograms of PM2.5 concentration in 2024, nearly three times the World Health Organization's recommended 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Financial stress compounds these issues, with 34% of Filipinos reporting frequent daily stress, primarily due to their financial situation.
Global Context and Implementation
Various countries have implemented front-of-pack labeling systems. France uses the Nutri-Score system (A through E ratings), the UK employs traffic light colors, and Chile uses warning labels for excessive nutrients.
The World Heart Federation supports mandatory labeling systems, noting research consensus that such systems can improve consumer understanding and food choices when properly implemented with public education programs.
Moving Forward Thoughtfully
As our nation considers this health initiative, we must balance scientific evidence with practical realities facing Filipino families. The proposed system could provide valuable information, but implementation must consider economic accessibility, cultural food practices, and comprehensive health education.
For a country blessed with diverse culinary traditions across thousands of islands, any food rating system should enhance rather than restrict our understanding of balanced nutrition within our cultural context.
The success of this initiative will depend not just on labels, but on making nutritious foods more accessible and affordable for all Filipino families, regardless of their location in our beautiful archipelago.