Philippines food labeling (AO 2014-0030): importer, expiry date, allergens

What a Philippine food label must show

Administrative Order No. 2014-0030 of the Department of Health sets the labeling of all prepackaged food distributed in the Philippines, whether made locally or imported, including food supplements. The minimum label gives the product name and brand, the full ingredient list, net contents, the name and address of the manufacturer and of the importer or distributor with the country of origin, lot identification, storage conditions, an expiry or use-by date and allergen information.

Some products need extra label content, for example bottled water and prepackaged processed meats. Packages with less than 10 cm² of label space are exempt from the full label if the secondary packaging carries the required information.

Philippines food label checklist for exporters

• Product name, brand and full ingredient list
• Net contents, lot identification and storage conditions
• Expiry or use-by date
• Allergen information
• Manufacturer and Philippine importer or distributor, with country of origin
• FDA certificate of product registration where required

Registration before import

The Philippine FDA requires a certificate of product registration before importation for processed food products such as dairy products, cereals, sauces and candies. The importer applies for it, and the label is reviewed as part of the product's file, so agree the label before the first order ships.

Because the label must name the Philippine importer or distributor, labels printed for other markets need that information added before sale. Check whether the product falls under special labeling content, such as bottled water or processed meats, before printing.