Aquino signs law on food safety

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved a law that aims to protect consumers from trade malpractices and substandard or hazardous products, Malacañang, the presidential palace, said today.

Aquino signed recently Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the "Food Safety Act of 2013."

The new law lays down a comprehensive framework that sets the benchmark for food safety in various stages from the harvest to the manufacture, processing, handling, packaging, distribution, marketing, food preparation to its consumption.

To strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country, the state is adopting measures to protect the public from food- borne and water-borne illnesses and unsanitary, unwholesome, misbranded or adulterated foods, the law said.

The state also works to enhance industry and consumer confidence in the food regulatory system, it added.

The state is working toward achieving economic growth and development by promoting fair trade practices and sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade, the law said.