Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY DRAFT (February 6, 2014) ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 2014-________________ SUBJECT: Rules and Regulations on the Licensing of Food Establishments and Food Business Operators and Registration of Processed Food, and Other Food Products, and For Other Purposes I. Rationale/Background Effective national food control systems are essential to protect the health and safety of consumers. They are also critical to assure the safety and quality of food entering international trade and to ensure that imported food conforms to the national safety and quality standards requirements. The global environment for food trade places emphasis on strengthening food control systems and to implement and enforce risk-based food control strategies.1 The food regulatory agencies are responsible for setting food safety standards, regulating food establishments and food business operators as well as the products they manufacture, offer for sale, or distribute, by conducting inspections to ensure compliance to standards, and maintaining a strong regulatory enforcement program to deal with those that do not comply with the provisions of the law. The Department of Health (DOH) through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 10611, otherwise known as the Food Safety Act of 2013, to bear the specific responsibility of ensuring the safety of all food processing and product packaging activities, among others (Section 18), and to develop and issue appropriate authorizations in the form of a license and certificate or registration that would cover establishments, facilities engaged in production and distribution of products (Section 28). The Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9711) reaffirmed that the State shall adopt, support, establish, institutionalize, improve and maintain structures, processes, mechanisms and initiatives that are aimed, directed and designed to protect and promote the right to health of the Filipino people (Sec.3). Further, Section 7 affirms the FDA Act as amendment to Republic Act No.3720 prohibiting the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, or retail of any food products; or the operation of establishment by any natural or juridical person without the License to Operate from the FDA (Section 7(k)). Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines states under Section 14 that “No person or entity shall operate a food establishment for public patronage without securing a permit from the local health office.” Moreover, under Section 15, it states that “No person shall be employed in any food establishment without a Health Certificate issued by the local health authority.” Page 1 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 1 FAO/WHO Assuring Food Safety and Quality: Guidelines for Strengthening National Food Control Systems Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as The Consumer Act of the Philippines, also declares that the State shall ensure safe and good quality of food and regulate their production, sale distribution and advertisement to protect the health of the consumer. It further mandates the DOH to develop and provide standards on safety and quality of food, among others, and to strengthen the FDA. Therefore, the FDA through the Center for Food Regulation and Research (CFRR) shall implement a performance-based food safety control management system which shall include, among others: a) the development of food standards and regulations; b) post-market monitoring; c) enforcement of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other risk-based control measures; d) strong participation in Codex and other international standard setting bodies, e) communication of risks and development of interactive exchange among stakeholders; f) establishment and strengthening of food laboratories; g) development of a database on food-borne illness and epidemiological data; h) strengthening R&D capabilities food safety and quality standards; and i) certification of food safety inspectors. Consistent with this mandate, the FDA will ensure food safety through the imposition of food quality standards in the country. Thus, the issuance of this Administrative Order on the Licensing of Food Establishments, and Registration of Processed Food to issue appropriate authorizations in the form of a permit, license and certificate of registration or compliance that would cover establishments, facilities engaged in production, post-harvest handling, processing, packing, holding or producing food for consumption in accordance with the mandated issuances of regulatory agencies issuing such authorizations. This Administrative Order is hereby issued, consistent with the abovementioned Laws and Regulations, to guide the food industry and the public in ensuring safety of food and food products in the furtherance of public health. II. Objectives The objective for issuing this Administrative Order is to provide guidelines and policies, on the following: 1. The issuance of License to Operate (LTO) to food establishments and food business operators engaged in the manufacture or processing and distribution, i.e. import, export or wholesale, or trade and repacking of processed food and food products, by issuing the License to Operate, 2. The issuance of the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) to FDA-licensed establishments before processed food and other food products are sold, offered for sale or use, distributed or supplied, among other marketing and promotional activities, and Page 2 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 3. Adoption of risk-based classification of food establishments and food products III. Scope and Coverage This Administrative Order is issued to cover food establishments and food business operators engaged in the manufacture and distribution, i.e. import, export or wholesale, or trade and repacking, of processed food and food products. This Administrative Order shall not cover fresh or raw food derived from fresh plant, animal, fisheries and aquaculture products or foods in the primary production and postharvest stages of the supply chain under the Department of Agriculture. It shall likewise not cover food businesses such as, but not limited to, activities in slaughterhouses, dressing plants, fish ports, wet markets, supermarkets, school canteens, restaurants, catering establishments, water refilling stations, street food sale, including ambulant vending which are under the purview of the Local Government Units (LGUs). IV. Definition of Terms The following terms are defined for clarity: 1. Advertising refers to the business of conceptualizing, presenting or making available to the public, through any form of mass media, fact, data or information about the attributes, features, quality or availability of food and its related products for the purpose of promoting its sale or distribution and enhancing economic activity. 2. Authorization refers to the permission embodied in a document granted by a regulatory agency to a natural or juridical person who has submitted an application for a food business operation from primary production, post-harvest handling, distribution, processing, manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, and offer for sale, distribution, transfer and preparation for human consumption. The authorization can take the form of a permit, license, certificate of registration and certificate of compliance or exemption or any similar document. 3. Bottled Water means water that is placed in a sealed container or package and is offered for sale for human consumption as drinking water. 4. Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) is an authorization issued by the FDA for specific health products after evaluation and approval of submitted registration requirements. 5. Contaminant refers to any substance not intentionally added to food which is present in such food as a result of the production (including operations carried out in crop industry, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine) post-harvest handling, manufacturing, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food as a result of environmental contamination. Page 3 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 6. Control measure refers to any action and activity that can be used to prevent or eliminate food safety hazard or to reduce it to an acceptable level. 7. Distribute means the delivery or sale of any health product for purposes of distribution in commerce, except that such term does not include the manufacture or retail of such product. 8. Distributor/Importer/Exporter refers to any establishment that imports or exports raw materials, ingredients and/or finished products for its own use or for wholesale distribution to other establishments or outlets. If the distributor/importer/exporter sells to the general public, it shall be considered a retailer. 9. Distributor/ wholesaler refers to any establishment that procures raw materials, and/or finished products from local establishments for local distribution on wholesale basis. 10. Establishment means a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, an institution, an association, or an organization engaged in the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offer for sale, distribution, donation, transfer, use, testing, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of health products, including the facilities and installation needed for its activities. 11. Food refers to any substance or product whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed that is intended for human consumption. It includes drinks, chewing gum, water and other substances which are intentionally incorporated into the food during its manufacture, preparation and treatment. 12. Food safety standards refer to the formal documents containing the requirements that foods or food processors have to comply with to safeguard human health. They are implemented by authorities and enforced by law; and are usually developed and published under the auspices of a national standards body. 13. Food Additive refers to any substance not normally consumed as a food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition of which to food for a technological (including organoleptic) purpose in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food results, or may be reasonably expected to result (directly or indirectly), in it or its by-products becoming a component of or otherwise affecting the characteristics of such foods. The term does not include contaminants or substances added to food for maintaining or improving nutritional qualities. 14. Food/Dietary Supplement refers to a processed food product intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb, or other dietary substance of botanical, animal, artificial or natural origin to increase the total daily intake in amounts conforming to the latest Philippine recommended energy and nutrient intakes or internationally agreed minimum daily requirements. It is usually in the form of capsules, tablets, liquids, gels, powders or pills and is not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet or a replacement for drugs and medicines. Page 4 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 15. Fortification means the addition of nutrients to processed foods or food products at levels above the natural state. 16. Food-borne illnesses refer to diseases, usually either infectious or toxic in nature, caused by agents that enter the body through the ingestion of food. 17. Food Business refers to any undertaking, whether public or private, that carries out any of the activities related to, or any of the stages of the food supply chain. 18. Food Business Operator refers to a person engaged in the food business including one’s agents and is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the Food Safety Act of 2013 are met by the food business under one’s control. 19. Food Hygiene (hereinafter referred to as hygiene) refers to the measures and conditions necessary to control hazards that could lead to food-borne illnesses and to ensure fitness for human consumption of a food of plant or animal origin taking into account its intended use. 20. Food Law refers to the laws, regulations and administrative provisions governing food in general, donated food and food safety at any stage of production, processing, distribution and preparation for human consumption. 21. Food Safety refers to the assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared or eaten according to its intended use. 22. Food Quality includes all other attributes that influence the value of a product to the consumer which includes its color, flavor, texture, origin and processing method of the food. 23. Food Supply Chain refers to all stages in the production of food from primary production, post-harvest handling, distribution, processing and preparation for human consumption. 24. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) refers to a quality assurance system aimed at ensuring that products are consistently manufactured, packed, repacked or held to quality standards appropriate for the intended use. It is thus concerned with both manufacturing and quality control procedure. 25. Good Distribution Practice (GDP) or Good Storage Practice (GSP) refers to a part of quality assurance system where appropriate procedures for sanitary handling of food on storage and distribution are established. Storage and transportation of finished food should be under conditions that will protect food against physical, chemical, and microbial contamination as well as against deterioration of the food and the container. Warehouses are kept free from rodents, insects, birds and other pests. 26. Hygienic practices refer to all practices regarding the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety and suitability of food at all stages of the food chain. Page 5 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 27. Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Points (HACCP) refer to a science-based system which identifies, evaluates and controls hazards which are significant for food safety at critical points during a given stage in the food supply chain. 28. Ingredient is any substance including food additive, used as a component in the manufacture or preparation of a food and present in the final product in its original or modified form. 29. Inspection refers to the examination of food, food production facilities or establishments, and the management and production systems of food businesses, including the examination of documents, finished product testing and registration, and of the origin and destination of production inputs and outputs to verify compliance with legal requirements by an agency mandated to perform food safety regulatory and/or enforcement functions. 30. Label refers to the display of written, printed or graphic matter upon the immediate container, tag, literature or other suitable material affixed thereto for the purpose of giving information as to identify components, ingredients, attributes, directions for use, specifications and such other information as may be required by law or regulations. 31. Licensing means the process of approval of an application to operate or establish an establishment prior to engaging in the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offer for sale, distribution, transfer, and where applicable the use, testing, promotion, advertisement, and/or sponsorship of health products. 32. Licensing, Regulation and Enforcement Division (LRED) shall mean the division under the Center for Health Development in charge of licensing, regulation and enforcement of DOH-FDA rules and regulations. LRED may also mean RLED. 33. Local Government Unit (LGU) shall mean the city or municipality, provincial or regional government unit which issues the Sanitary Permit in compliance with the National Sanitation Code of the Philippines and the Mayor’s Permit. 34. Manufacturer means an establishment engaged in any and all operations involved in the production of health products including preparation, processing, compounding, formulating, filling, packaging, repacking, altering, ornamenting, finishing and labeling with the end in view of its storage, sale or distribution. A trader shall be categorized as manufacturer. They may also manufacture products for institutional use. In case of imported food products, the manufacturer’s representative or, in his absence, the importer shall be deemed the manufacturer. 35. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) refers to food businesses as defined within the classification of industries by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 36. Monitoring refers to the systematic gathering of data through the sampling of commodities as well as monitoring of food-borne diseases, collation and interpretation of collected data. Page 6 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 37. Permit refers to a form of authorization that is issued by the FDA to an establishment that has complied with the application requirements. 38. Processing refers to any action that substantially alters the initial raw materials or product or ingredients including, but not limited to, heating, smoking, curing, maturing, drying, marinating, extraction, extrusion, freezing, fermentation or a combination of those processes intended to produce/ manufacture food. 39. Raw materials are all substances that are employed in the processing of a finished product, packed in bulk containers and not labeled as finished product. Raw Materials or ingredients would have product specifications that comply with the client requirements and not necessarily a single component. 40. Repacker means any establishment engaged in the process of packaging or changing of container, wrapper (that may include or not a changing of label) from a bulk material to retail packaging sizes in furtherance of distribution of food. 41. Retailer means any establishment which sells or offers to sell any health product directly to the general public. 42. Risk refers to a function of the probability of an adverse health effect and the severity of that effect, consequential to a hazard(s) in food. 43. Salt Iodization refers to the addition of iodine to salt intended for human consumption in accordance with specifications as to form, fortificant type, method, manner and composition as may be prescribed by the FDA. 44. Trader means any establishment which is a registered owner of food and food products and/or procure the raw materials and packing components, quality control standards and procedures, but subcontracts the manufacture of such product to a licensed manufacturer. In addition, a trader may also engage in the distribution and/or marketing of its products. 45. Toll Manufacturer refers to the manufacturer that conduct contract manufacturing where conditions of the contract are defined, agreed and controlled; and all aspects of contracted work are specified to obtain quality product/s conforming to the agreed standards. V. General Guidelines The FDA shall be guided by the following risk categorization or classification of food businesses and major risk factors on food safety when conducting food establishment inspections and when evaluating food products for registration:2 1. High Risk food are food products that may contain pathogenic microorganisms and will support formation of toxins or growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Examples are raw meat, fish, oysters, poultry and milk. Other examples include tofu, fresh filled pasta, meat pies, frankfurters, salami, cooked rice and lasagne (these foods pose a particularly high risk if they are not processed or cooked adequately). Page 7 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 2 FAO/UN Guidelines for Risk Categorization of Food and Food Establishment Applicable to ASEAN Countries 2. Medium-risk food are food products that may contain pathogenic microorganisms but will not normally support their growth due to food characteristics; or food that is unlikely to contain pathogenic microorganisms due to food type or processing but may support formation of toxins or growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Examples are fruits and vegetables, orange juice, canned meats, pasteurised milk, dairy products, ice cream, peanut butter and milk-based confectionery. 3. Low-risk food are food products that is unlikely to contain pathogenic microorganisms and will not normally support their growth due to food characteristics. Examples are grains and cereals, bread, carbonated beverages, sugarbased confectionery, alcohol and fats and oils. The following major risk factors shall be taken into consideration or into account:2 1. Type of Food and Intended Use by Consumers or Customers. The type of food handled by a food business is important in identifying the hazards that are likely to be present. Some foods are more likely to be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and to support their growth. Whether or not the food is prepackaged or intended to be ‘ready-to-eat’ is also important in determining the severity of the risk. Ready-to-eat food can present a greater risk of causing foodborne illness as it is not intended for further heat processing. Heat processing can destroy any pathogens present in the food. 2. Activity of the Food Business Operators. The amount of handling and whether or not the food is intended to be ready-to-eat are considered to play an important role in determining the potential risk of a food business. Whether or not the food is packaged/ pre-packaged is also considered. Businesses that are extensively handled or even transported are more likely to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria when exposed to abused or inappropriate storage condition, such that the storage or shelf life is reduced. If a food business handles unpackaged food the risk of contamination is more likely than if the food is pre-packaged prior to handling by the food business. Again if the food is intended to be ready-to-eat and will not receive further heat processing, it presents a greater risk of causing foodborne illness. 3. Method of Processing. Processing steps that reduce the level of microorganisms through the application of a well-established pathogen reduction step (such as sterilization, preservation, cooking and pasteurisation) reduce the risk of microbial hazards. Processes that significantly reduce the microbial population (pathogen reduction steps) and are performed by the food business before sale are considered low risk. Page 8 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 2 4. FAO/UN Guidelines for Risk Categorization of Food and Food Establishment Applicable to ASEAN Countries Consumer or Customer Base. The number of individuals potentially exposed to a food hazard is an important determinant in assessing the severity of the risk presented by the food business. The number of persons exposed will, in all but fully automated processes, be related to the number of employees required for production. A business producing a large amount of food is likely to employ more people and, therefore, the business size is used to approximate the size of the exposed population. Food businesses catering directly to customers, such as children under the age of five, the elderly, pregnant women and people with an illness is another factor to consider. These groups are vulnerable to food-borne illness and can become very ill from consuming food that is contaminated with low doses of pathogenic bacteria. The implementation of this Administrative Order shall be guided by the following: A. License to Operate (LTO) 1. All food establishment shall secure a LTO as food manufacturer and shall be classified as follows: 1.1. Large, and medium food establishments, using the DTI classification shall apply for LTO at the FDA in Alabang; or to their nearest respective regional offices/ Center for Health Development. 1.2. Small establishments and Microenterprise food manufacturers, using the DTI classification, shall apply for LTO at the FDA-DOH or to their nearest respective regional offices/ Center for Health Development Offices. 2. All applications for a License to Operate shall be accepted by the FDA only when all the requirements have been completed. 3. The manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale or use, distribution, or wholesale of any processed food or processed food products by any food establishment or food business operators, as the case maybe, without the License to Operate (LTO) and CPR issued by the FDA is prohibited 4. The LTO shall be a requirement before a food establishment or food business operator can join food trade and exhibitions, market research or testing of unregistered processed food products. 5. Food establishment and food business shall apply for both LTO and CPR/s during the initial application. After which, additional CPR application may be filed by an FDAlicensed establishment and food business operator. Page 9 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 6. An entity, natural or juridical person, applying for LTO as a food manufacturer, distributor, importer, exporter, wholesaler, trader or repacker shall be issued the LTO only when they have complied with all the requirements and have demonstrated their capability and capacity to assure food safety and quality. 7. No application for initial or renewal of LTO shall be accepted or approved unless the prescribed fee is paid. 8. A food business operator with LTO as food distributors, i.e. as importer, exporter or wholesaler, may engage in manufacturing or repacking provided that a LTO as manufacturer (repacker) shall be secured also from the FDA. 9. All FDA-licensed food establishments and food business operators shall be primarily responsible for determining the regulatory requirements of the importing country before engaging in food export. 10. Food manufacturing or processing plant shall be covered by a single LTO notwithstanding their distance or different locations within one locality/municipality/city but with one product, at different stages of operation/ process indicating their address in the license. In this instance, the principal office address shall be reflected at the front page of the LTO while the other address/es at the back page thereof or secondary page appended thereto. 11. When a food manufacturing or processing plant carries an entirely different and complete stage of operation for different products in different locations but within one municipality/city, in which case, each shall be covered by separate licenses. Food manufacturing establishments utilizing or sharing one facility shall not be allowed regardless of ownership. 12. Any establishment applying for a license to the FDA as food distributor (importer, exporter, wholesaler) utilizing or sharing one office shall not be allowed regardless of ownership. 13. For offices of distributors, all warehouses and depots shall be declared. Sharing of offices by different distributors shall not be allowed. 14. Licensing of food manufacturers shall be issued only by the FDA if the food business operators are able to demonstrate consistency in production of safe and good quality products. B. Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) 1. All processed food products such as food additives, food supplements and bottled water, shall first be registered with the FDA before they are distributed, supplied, sold or offered for sale or use and advertised, among other marketing or promotional activities. 2. Only applications with a complete set of requirements shall be accepted and processed for the order of payment. Page 10 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 3. Only one CPR per product shall be issued regardless of the packaging size provided that all specifications and information are the same and the only difference is the net weight. If one product has multiple packaging sizes but with the same formulation, the same ingredients in the same order of proportion bearing one brand and product name, and label design except for recipes and models, this shall be covered by one CPR. 4. The CPR shall be approved and issued only when all the requirements have been complied and the safety standards set by the FDA has been met. 5. The registration requirements for food establishments intending to export products are the same. However, food establishments with intention to export, shall comply with all the regulatory standards and requirements of the importing countries, including the labeling requirements. 6. Food products shall be evaluated for safety and quality, as well as compliance to labelling regulation prior to issuance of CPR. 7. Only those food establishments with products that have complied with the requirements and meet the standards for food safety, quality, and labeling, including relevant standards set by the FDA/Codex for specific food category, as applicable, will be given CPR. 8. Should a product fail to meet the requirements on food safety, and quality, applicable product standards, and labeling regulations, a Letter of Denial shall be issued. The applicant shall be given a maximum of six (6) months to comply. 9. The company should secure permission from FDA in writing for any additional label design or other label changes prior to use in advertisement, promotion, and commercial distribution. 10. Imported and local manufactured raw materials intended to be sold, offered for sale or use or for distribution to other food establishments and food business operators and consumers shall secure a CPR for each raw material, ingredients and food additives.. However, raw materials intended for further processing by the local manufacturer/importer need not secure CPR. 11. When a CPR is granted to a food manufacturer/importer, all individual ingredients as part of the FDA-registered product formulation, may be imported without a CPR. However, should the FDA-licensed food manufacturer/importer use or source out local ingredients, it shall only purchase from FDA-licensed establishment. 12. Products covered by separate laws (e.g. RA 8172 and RA 8976) requiring the submission of Certificate of Analysis (COA) shall be complied with. 13. Validity of Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) will be 2 years minimum to 5 years maximum for initial and 5 years for renewal; provided that upon renewal, its holder conforms with the pertinent standards and requirements including labeling regulations. Page 11 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 14. Only food additives listed in the latest Codex General Standards for Food Additives (GSFA) and/or the latest FDA Listing of Food Additives and/or approved pharmaceutical excipients list intended for Food Supplement in pharmaceutical dosage form such as tablet, softgel capsule and capsule shall be issued a CPR. 15. The FDA may request for additional documents on products that are considered high risk food provided that the reason for the additional requirements is to address uncertainties on safety. 16. No food samples shall be submitted to FDA provided that the labels are clear and bears the complete label information. However, for food supplements, it is necessary to submit product samples in commercial presentation. 17. Food supplements shall not have curative claims or therapeutic claims. Other claims shall be in accordance to existing and relevant labeling guidelines. 18. Other than the food supplement labels, advertising and promotional materials of food establishments and food business operators shall not make curative or therapeutic claims without scientific data or clinical trials to substantiate such claims. 19. Specialized high risk products such as, but not limited to, infant formula, milk supplement, foods for infants and young children, foods for special medical purposes and foods for special dietary uses shall be required to submit additional requirements as deemed necessary. 20. In addition to the requirements in the proceeding sections, the FDA may conduct inspection of the manufacturing or processing plant or verification of documents submitted or may require additional documents or evidence to ascertain the safety and/or quality of the product. 21. In case there is a health issue other than the growth of pathogenic microorganisms or other food safety related incidents (e.g. chemical contamination or adulteration), FDA has the option to impose other requirements through regulatory issuances. C. Quality and Safety Standard 1. All processed Food Products shall comply with the relevant appropriate / applicable quality and safety standards, if any. 2. Food establishments or food business operators shall be required to conform with the General Principles of Food Hygiene, including general requirements on sanitation, and as appropriate for the food establishment or food business operation, comply with the relevant standards and requirements of the code of Good Manufacturing Practice, HACCP, Good Storage Practice, Good Distribution Practice, or the Sanitary Standard Operating Procedures. Page 12 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 3. Food establishments shall be required to comply, as appropriate, with the requirements of the ASIN Law and Food Fortification Law, and other issuances related to them and to other food quality and safety standards as adopted or determined by the FDA. D. Inspection and Certificate of Compliance 1. The FDA/CHD may verify documents submitted to FDA and conduct risk-based approach audit during pre-licensing inspection for the purpose of preparing or issuing the Certificate of Compliance. 2. The FDA may conduct inspection in collaboration with the LGUs and any agency or office under the DOH, DA and DILG. E. Food Legislation 1. FDA-licensed food establishments or food business operators shall comply with relevant laws that address nutritional quality of food and food products, such as the RA 8172 (ASIN Law) and RA 8976 (Food Fortification Act). 2. Food business operators shall comply with the provisions of RA No. 9711, RA No. 10611, RA No. 3720 as amended by E.O. 175, RA No. 7394, and Presidential Decree No. 856 to ensure food quality and safety. VI. Requirements and Guidelines on Application for LTO and CPR A. License to Operate 1. The food business operator or the food establishment FDA may apply for the following License to Operate based on the type of the food business operation: 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. LTO as Food Manufacturer, including Toll Manufacturer or Repacker 1.1.1. Large, Medium and Small 1.1.2. Microenterprise LTO as Food Distributor (DTI classification does not apply) 1.2.1. Importer 1.2.2. Exporter 1.2.3. Wholesaler LTO as Food Trader, that enters into contract with a FDA-licensed Toll Manufacturer 2. Requirements for LTO Application 2.1. Initial. The following are the requirements for initial application: 2.1.1. General Requirements 2.1.1.1. Proof of Business Registration Page 13 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY a. If Single Proprietorship, Valid Certificate of Business Name Registration with the Department of Trade and Industry b. If a Corporation or Partnership, Valid Registration with SEC and Articles of Incorporation and other pertinent documents c. If a Cooperative, Certificate of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) If the Business Name is different from the Corporate Name, SEC Certificate must reflect "Doing business under the name and style of (Name of Establishment) If the business name and address is different from the registered name and address in the DTI or Security and Exchange Commission or SEC), a Valid Mayor's Business Permit or Barangay Business Permit shall be submitted. 2.1.1.2. Duly Notarized Accomplished Application and Order of Payment with ID picture (size: 2x2 inch) of applicant (ANNEX A). Persons who signs on behalf of the establishment or company owner shall present a notarized certificate of authority. The Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the owner shall be reflected on the petition form. 2.1.1.3. Proof of Occupancy (for offices and warehouses), such as notarized valid Contract of Lease of the space/building occupied if the space/building is not owned, Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) if owned, duly notarized warehousing agreement (3rd party logistics) 2.1.1.4. Location Map (indicate location, landmarks, immediate environment, type of building) and GPS 2.1.1.5. List of food products to be manufactured, processed, distributed, sold, or offered for sale or use, as the case may be NOTE: Pre-licensing inspection and a Certificate of Compliance (COC) shall be issued, following a risk-based approach or HACCP/GMP requirements depending on the level of risks and complexity of production, among others (Section V.D.2.). The conduct of inspection shall be covered by Quality Manual. Page 14 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY In lieu of the COC, for the microenterprise food manufacturer, Sanitary Permit (establishment) and Health Certificate (food handlers), as appropriate, which are issued after inspection or examination by the LGU sanitary inspectors or health facilities may be accepted by the FDA. However, the FDA reserve the right to inspect at any in time as routine, spot check, post-market surveillance of the product, or to act on any report of food-borne illness or complaints the FDA receives. Upon validation of noncompliance to FDA safety and quality standards, the FDA CFRR Director shall revoke the LTO and CPR immediately, following due process. 2.1.2. Specific Requirements 2.1.2.1. Manufacturer/Processor 2.1.2.1.1. Comprehensive/short Product description to be manufactured (e.g. list of Ingredients, physicochemical and/or microbiological specifications) 2.1.2.1.2. Comprehensive/short description of manufacturing process or food processing/preparation, including a flowchart with quality control points, as appropriate to the size of operation (Annex 3, outline/guide) 2.1.2.1.3. Comprehensive/short quality control procedures, as appropriate to the size of operation (Annex 4, outline/guide) 2.1.2.1.4. Facsimile of proposed product label, compliant with FDA standards The microenterprise food manufacturer may freely seek assistance from the FDA field Food and Drug Regulation Officer through the FDA-DOH/CHD offices. Manufacturers shall comply with relevant law, rules and regulations, such as the RA 8172 (ASIN Law) and RA 8976 (Food Fortification Act). 2.1.2.2. Repacker 2.1.2.2.1. 2.1.2.2.2. 2.1.2.2.3. 2.1.2.2.4. Comprehensive description of manufacturing process, including a flowchart with quality control points Quality control procedures Product Description to be repacked Photocopy of duly notarized valid contract or agreement with the manufacturer, and, as appropriate, the License to Operate (LTO) of the manufacturer where the product will be sourced for repacking Page 15 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 2.1.2.2.5. Facsimile of proposed label, compliant with FDA standards 2.1.2.3. Importer of Raw Materials/Finished Product Ingredients or Additives for Distribution or Retail 2.1.2.3.1. Any of the following: pro forma invoice, foreign agency agreement, appointment letter, or distributorship agreement 2.1.2.3.2. Any of the following scanned original copy of the original following documents issued to the manufacturer by the regulatory or health authority in country of origin: valid manufacturer’s certificate of registration with GMP compliance, or its equivalent, valid Phytosanitary Certificate or Health Certificate, valid ISO 22000 Certification, or valid HACCP Certificate or Certificate of Free Sale as applicable. All certification issued by a private organization should be attested by a recognized business association or chamber of commerce. 2.1.2.3.3. Appropriate test result or certificate of analysis routinely conducted in the country of origin or source that would indicate or show safety of the product. For test or analysis conducted in the Philippines, the applicant shall be guided by appropriate FDA standards as published in the FDA Website in addition to the recognition or accreditation of laboratories. FDA-licensed food manufacturers shall be allowed to import raw materials or finished products as ingredients or additives for their own use to manufacture registered food products. Importers shall comply with applicable law, rules and regulations, such as the RA 8172 (ASIN Law) and RA 8976 (Food Fortification Act). 2.1.2.4. Distributor/Exporter 2.1.2.4.1 Valid notarized distributorship agreement or letter of appointment between FDA-licensed importer manufacturer and exporter 2.1.2.4.2 Copy of valid CPR 2.1.2.5. Distributor/Wholesaler Page 16 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY For wholesaling of locally procured raw materials in bulk or finished products, valid notarized Distributorship Agreement or Letter of Appointment with FDA-licensed food establishment. Valid Certificate(s) of Product Registration 2.1.2.6. Food Trader Valid and notarized toll manufacturing and/or repacking agreement with FDA-licensed toll manufacturer and/or repacker Note: For Bottled drinking water, the Standards and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements as stated in Administrative Order No. 18-A s. 1993 or the Philippine National Standard for Bottled Drinking Water are still in effect. 2.2. Requirements for LTO Renewal 2.2.1. Regular renewal. The FDA shall determine the continued compliance by the establishment with the standards and requirements of FDA through inspection. 2.2.2. Automatic renewal – where there is no need for inspection or resubmission of requirements as required for initial applications, may be granted only if the following conditions are met: 2.2.2.1. Submission of an affidavit of undertaking for automatic renewal with a sworn statement indicating no change or variation or, as applicable, no violation of FDA rules and regulations or non-compliance to the requirements of GMP have been committed 2.2.2.2. The application for renewal was filed before the expiration date of the license; and 2.2.2.3. The prescribed renewal fee was paid upon filing of the application based on assessment form as shown in the official receipt. 3. Requirements on LTO Amendments The following are the requirements for amending information and other circumstances of LTO: 3.1. Change of Business Name 3.1.1. Notarized accomplished amendment application form with id picture of the owner Page 17 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 3.1.2. Photocopy of business name registration or a digital image of the document (1024 x768 pixels) 3.1.2.1. For single proprietorship registration from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) 3.1.2.2. For corporation / partnership, registration from Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Articles of Incorporation. If the registered address with DTI/SEC is different from the address of the establishment to be licensed, a photocopy of Business/Mayor’s Permit shall be submitted 3.1.3. Surrender original License to Operate (LTO) 3.2. Change of Ownership 3.2.1. Notarized accomplished Petition Form with ID picture of the owner 3.2.2. Photocopy of Business Name Registration 3.2.2.1. For single proprietorship registration from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) 3.2.2.2. For corporation / partnership, registration from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Articles of Incorporation. If the registered address with DTI/SEC is different from the address of the establishment to be licensed, a photocopy of Business/Mayor’s Permit shall be submitted. 3.2.3. Photocopy of Contract / Agreement with Manufacturer reflecting the new owner 3.2.4. Photocopy of Deed of Sale or Transfer of Rights 3.2.5. Photocopy of Dissolution Papers from SEC (for corporation/partnership) 3.2.6. Surrender original License to Operate (LTO) 3.3 Addition or Deletion of Activities/ Classification/ Sources/ Products 3.3.1. Notarized accomplished Amendment Application Form with ID picture of the owner / authorized representative 3.3.2. List of Added Activities/products with the corresponding process flow, revised plant layout and results of analysis in case of additional products Note: For deletion, a letter notifying the FDA will suffice. 3.3.3. List of new sources, as applicable 3.3.4. Specific sources or products to be deleted, as applicable 3.4 Changes In The Existing or Opening or Closure Of Warehouse/ Office/ Branch 3.4.1. Notarized accomplished Amendment Application Form with ID picture of the owner/authorized representative 3.4.2. Photocopy of Business Name Registration under new address, when applicable Page 18 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 3.4.2.1. For single proprietorship registration from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) 3.4.2.2. For corporation / partnership, registration from Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Articles of Incorporation. If the registered address with DTI/SEC is different from the address of the establishment to be licensed, submit a photocopy of Business/Mayor’s Permit 3.4.3. Photocopy of Contract / Agreement with Manufacturer reflecting the new owner, when applicable. 3.5. Change of Business Information No change in the previously approved circumstances of the application of the establishment, such as but not limited to: location, business name and owner, additional or reduction in the product lines, inclusion or deletion of any activities/products, shall be effected unless with prior notification to FDA through amendment. 3.6. Assignment and Transfer of Pending Applications, Existing Licenses If there is a change in ownership while application is on process, the application shall be considered terminated and documents shall be returned to the authorized representative of the company. The new owner or the new regulatory officer shall comply with the requirements for initial application including attendance to QPIRA. 3.7. Lost or Destroyed LTO A lost or destroyed LTO shall be replaced by the FDA upon submission of a letter of request and payment of prescribed fee. A certified photocopy of the original LTO kept by FDA shall be issued temporarily for a period of 3 months. 4. Approval and Validity of the LTO 4.1. The Director of the CFRR shall sign the LTO. 4.2. Unless revoked, the LTO shall have the following validity period: 4.2.1. Initial LTO issued shall be valid for one (1) year. 4.2.2. Renewed LTO shall be valid for two (2) years. 4.3. Valid LTO shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the establishment or business office or premises. Failure to display the valid LTO shall be ground for revocation of the LTO. 5. Licensing Process Page 19 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 5.1. All applications shall be received by the FDA or the CHD through the PAIR system or by the LRED/RLED for evaluation by the CFRR or FDA/LRED/RLED, as applicable. 5.2. A Certificate of Compliance shall be issued by the FDA inspectorate in the respective regions. Should a site inspection or pre-licensing inspection be required, the inspection shall be scheduled with the applicant, before the Certificate of Compliance is issued. 5.3. Approval or disapproval of applications with COCs shall be signed by the Director of the Center for Food Regulation and Research under the authority of the FDA Director General. However, upon finding, in the course of its evaluation, monitoring, inspection and spot checking, of any violation in the compliance and other requirements required by the FDA and its implemented laws, such as the FDA Act of 2009, these Rules and Regulations, and other relevant laws, to submit a report to serve as basis for the motu proprio action of the Director of the Regional Field Office; as per Book I Article VIII of IRR of RA 9711 under Section 7 (g). Hence, the RFO upon verification/inspection that the food establishment has not complied with the requirement have the power to disapprove and sign the proper action by the Director of the RFO. 5.4. The notice of disapproval of applications for license shall clearly state the reason for disapproval. B. Certificate of Product Registration An application may be filed with the FDA in Alabang or respective FDA/CHD Office having jurisdiction over the establishment. 1. Initial Registration The following requirements for CPR application shall be submitted electronically to FDA via http://fda.gov.ph or through the PAIR Unit: 1.1. Product Information Sheet duly accomplished and submitted online (See Annex B) 1.2. Notarized application letter with Affidavit of Undertaking 1.3. Copy of valid License to Operate with the list of all products or variants and list of sources, as the case may be, and their manufacturer and country/location 1.4. Clear and complete loose labels of all packaging sizes (may be scanned/ electronic copy/ies) 1.5. Pictures of the product in all angles and in different packaging sizes, as applicable, except for food supplement, a sample in actual commercial presentation shall be submitted. Page 20 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 1.6. As applicable, documents to substantiate claims, such as technical, nutritional or health studies or reports, Certificate of Analysis, quantitative analysis and computations, scientific or report or studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, certificates or certification to support use of logo/seal on Sangkap Pinoy, Halal, Organic, or Kosher food 2. Renewal of CPR The FDA shall determine the continued compliance of the food establishments to the FDA standards and requirements specific for the registered food product or food category during renewal of the CPR. Renewal of the CPR may be automatic provided that the following conditions are met: a) The application shall be filed before the expiration date of the registration; b) The prescribed renewal fee must be paid prior to filing of the application; If there is no condition stated at the back of the issued Certificate of Product Registration. However, in case there is a condition, an acknowledgment letter from FDA indicating the condition stated in the CPR had been complied, should be submitted. Any application filed as automatic renewal registration shall be submitted with the FDA at least 90 days before the date of its expiration with the submission of the following requirements: 2.1 Notarized letter of application from manufacturer/importer/distributor indicating that there is no change in formulation, specification and labeling of the product, and there was no unresolved violation, penalties or sanction pending with the FDA. 2.2 Photocopy of valid License to Operate, reflecting the source(s) of the product; 2.3 Scanned copy of the actual and complete loose labels and labeling materials including all packaging sizes or a digital image in an FDA-approved format; 2.4 Original CPR for verification. Request for amendment shall not be allowed to be filed simultaneously with an application for automatic renewal. Below shall be the specific cases wherein the Automatic Renewal will not apply: a. If the application for registration is filed after the expiry date of the CPR but within 120 days, the application shall not be qualified for automatic renewal and is subject to corresponding surcharges (this will be considered under Regular Renewal with the same FR number). b. If the application is filed after 120 days from the expiry date of the CPR, the application shall undergo the initial filing and evaluation procedure. It will be issued a new CPR. Page 21 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY c. If there are any changes in product formulation (reformulation), this is treated as an application for initial registration. d. No application for renewal shall be accepted unless the prescribed renewal fee is paid. e. If within the 5 year validity, a violation on the product and label was monitored, there will be corresponding sanctions as indicated in Section XI of RA 9711 and CPR will be revoked/ cancelled if not complied within the period of 6 months. Food establishment will file for an initial application. 3. Requirements on Amendments of the CPR Assignment or transfer of a valid CPR or of a pending application for renewal thereof shall be considered an amendment to the CPR so long as the assignee or transferee is also a valid LTO holder and shall submit a sworn statement of acceptance including the responsibility/liability for the product assigned or transferred. Change in manufacturer/ repacker shall be treated as initial registration. For CPRs reflecting the product’s packaging size, an amendment will be required for any additional packaging size provided that all information in the previously approved label is retained. 3.1 The following are the general requirements when applying for amendment of the CPR: 3.1.1. Letter of Application 3.1.2. Application and Order of Payment Form for CPR (ANNEX C), duly accomplished and paid 3.1.3. Original CPR 3.1.4. Label/labeling materials of the registered-product 3.1.5. Copy of valid License to Operate 3.2 The following are the specific requirements depending on the amendment: 3.2.1 Change in Brand Name 3.2.1.1 New product label, reflecting the change 3.2.1.2 Authority from the source or the owner of the brand (if imported) 3.2.1.3 IPO registration, if available 3.2.2 Change in product description 3.2.2.1 Reason or justification for change in the product description (may be part of the letter of application) 3.2.2.2 New product label, reflecting the change 3.2.3 Change in Packaging Material 3.2.3.1 Statement of no changes in formulation 3.2.3.2 Reason or Justification for the change (may be part of the letter of application) Page 22 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 3.2.3.3 3.2.4 3.2.5 3.2.6 3.2.7 3.2.8 3.2.9 Data or information on the suitability of packaging material to the product for food, including stability of the product in the new packaging, and 3.2.3.4 New labeling materials Change in Business Name 3.2.4.1 Proof of change in business name, e.g. License, Certificate 3.2.4.2 New labeling materials, reflecting the change Change in Importer/Distributor 3.2.5.1 Termination of agreement/ Deed of assignment 3.2.5.2 Agreement of new manufacturer/ importer/ distributor or Appointment letter 3.2.5.3 Copy of LTO, reflecting the change in LTO and its attachment 3.2.5.4 New labeling materials, reflecting the change Change in address of establishment 3.2.6.1 Proof of change in address, e.g. License, Certificate 3.2.6.2 New labeling materials, reflecting the change Change/Additional Packaging Size 3.2.7.1 New labeling materials, reflecting the change Extension of Shelf-life (for Food Supplements) 3.2.8.1 Stability data/ studies to support extension of shelf life Change in Packaging Design (for Food Supplements) 3.2.9.1 New labeling materials, reflecting the change 4. Reissuance for lost or damaged CPR Reissuance of a new or reconstruction of a CPR shall be issued after submission of the following requirements: 4.1 4.2 4.3 Letter of request, indicating that there were no changes in circumstances of the CPR that would render it invalid Affidavit of loss Payment of the prescribed fee 5. Registration Process The Director General of the FDA, upon the recommendation of the Center Director for Food, shall further promulgate the rules and regulations on the procedure for registration: a. The applicant company shall upload and accomplish the online Product Information Sheet from the FDA Website. FDA shall acknowledge receipt of duly accomplished Product Information Sheet thru online. The applicant will be given a maximum of 10 working days to pay online or at FDA Cashier. b. Before issuance of CPR, compliance of the product with applicable standards, requirements and regulations shall be evaluated based on the submitted requirements. After evaluation, FDA shall issue the Certificate of Product Registration within 90 working days upon filing of applications. Page 23 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY c. If the product does not conform with applicable standards, requirements or regulations, a Letter of Denial shall be issued. The applicant shall be given 6 months to reapply by submitting the deficiencies and the complete set of documents. Otherwise, the application is considered as initial. VII. Grounds for Disapproval of Applications The following shall be grounds for disapproval of an application: 1. Failure to submit complete or correction to documentary requirements. 2. Failure to meet the appropriate standard or requirement evaluation of documents or inspection of the food establishment offices and premises. 3. Failure to respond to notice of deficiency or to submit documents on time. 4. Misrepresentations, false entries, or withheld any relevant data contrary to the provisions of the law, these Rules and Regulations or appropriate standards. 5. Such other analogous grounds or causes as determined by the FDA. VIII. Capacity Building The DOH-FDA in collaboration with the LGU shall conduct capacity building on food safety to be conducted in strategic regions in the country IX. Fees and Other Charges Initial and renewal application fees and other charges shall be collected as may be allowed by the existing rules on fees and charges or surcharges. X. Post-Market Surveillance and Product Monitoring Post-Market Surveillance and product monitoring shall be conducted by the FDA based on the risks presented by the food products. Samples of products shall be collected for testing, and routine and spot checking of food establishments or food business operators shall be conducted. Food-borne illnesses and epidemiological data shall be studied as basis for planning or instituting measures to reduce food-borne outbreaks. Risk communication in collaboration with other stakeholders shall be heightened to reduce the risk of food borne illnesses brought about by food products. Risk management plan or food safety plan as well as attendance to food safety seminars or training shall be required from food borne operators or food establishments to ensure continuous compliance to food safety standards. XI. Transition Period Within six (6) months after the signing of this Administrative Order, the FDA shall streamline the national process and system of licensing and registration in the country with Page 24 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY other government agencies to ensure increased protection of the health and welfare of consumers, and availability of processed food and food products in the market. XII. Separability Clause If any part or term of provision of this order shall be declare invalid or unenforceable the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions or provisions shall not be affected and this order shall be construed as if it did not contain the particular invalid or enforceable part, term or provision. XIV. Repealing Clause All other administrative issuances, bureau circulars and memoranda and other regulations inconsistent with this Order are hereby withdrawn, repealed and /or revoked accordingly. XV. Effectivity This Order shall take effect 15 days after its publication in an official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. ENRIQUE T. ONA, MD, FPCS, FACS Secretary of Health Page 25 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY LIST OF ANNEXES A Application and Order of Payment Form for Initial LTO Application B Template for Product Information Sheet C Application and Order of Payment Form for CPR Page 26 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY ANNEX A Application and Order of Payment Form for Initial LTO Application Page 27 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY ANNEX B Template for Product Information Sheet Product Information Brand Name – if applicable ____________________________________________________________________ Product Name ____________________________________________________________________ Complete Company Name and address – as listed in the LTO _____________________________________________________________________ Contact Number(s) ____________________________________________________________________ E-mail address: ____________________________________________________________________ Country of origin (if imported) ____________________________________________________________________ Complete Name and Address of the Supplier (if not directly sourced from the manufacturer) _____________________________________________________________________ Complete Name and Address of Manufacturer (if imported) ____________________________________________________________________ Ingredients list:(list all specific name of the ingredients in descending order) – if applicable 1. 2. 3. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Physical description: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Chemical and/or Microbiological specifications: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Shelf life declaration (indicate if actual or accelerated) ____________________________________________________________________ Packaging material type/ name and Description of Product as Packed : ____________________________________________________________________ Storage condition requirement: _____________________________________________________________________ Food application (e.g preservative, nutrient, emulsifier, bakery ingredient) – function of the food material _____________________________________________________________________ Page 28 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Usage: (especially for food additives with limits) – if applicable _____________________________________________________________________ Source of allergen / ingredient allergen (if any): ____________________________________________________________________ Lot Code and Interpretation: ____________________________________________________________________ Open Date Marking (e.g. Date of Manufacture, Expiration Date) – if applicable: ____________________________________________________________________ Page 29 of 30 Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Annex C Application and Order of Payment Form for CPR Page 30 of 30