Legal Mandates Related to Nutrition & Diet Therapy (Philippines)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Philippine laws, terms, and agencies related to nutrition and diet therapy.

An authoritative command or instruction issued by a governing body that must be followed.

Mandate

Executive Order (Philippines)

A directive issued by the President that has the force of law in managing government operations.

Presidential Decree

A law issued by the President, particularly during martial law years, carrying full legislative power.

Republic Act

A statute enacted by the Philippine Congress and signed by the President.

Food Fortification

The addition of micronutrients to food to improve its nutritional value and reduce deficiencies.

LOI 441

Letter of Instruction mandating the integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum.

Presidential Decree No. 491 (1974)

Nutrition Act creating the National Nutrition Council and declaring July as Nutrition Month.

National Nutrition Council (NNC)

Policy-making and coordinating body for nutrition in the Philippines.

Nutrition Month

July observance promoting nationwide awareness on the importance of nutrition (PD 491, Sec. 7).

Executive Order 51 (1986)

National Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, promoting and protecting breastfeeding.

Republic Act 7394 (1992)

Consumer Act providing protection against fraudulent and unfair business practices.

Consumer Rights

Eight basic rights: needs, safety, information, choice, representation, redress, education, healthy environment.

Republic Act 7600 (1992)

Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act granting incentives to facilities that practice breastfeeding.

Republic Act 8172 (1995)

ASIN Law mandating nationwide salt iodization to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Health problems (e.g., goiter, mental impairment) caused by insufficient iodine intake.

Republic Act 8976 (2000)

Food Fortification Act establishing voluntary and mandatory fortification programs.

Sangkap Pinoy Seal Program

DOH–BFAD initiative certifying voluntarily fortified processed foods (RA 8976, Sec. 5).

National Food Fortification Day

Annual November 7 observance (EO 382) highlighting micronutrient deficiency prevention.

Department of Health (DOH)

Leads implementation and monitoring of food fortification and other nutrition laws.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Assists food manufacturers with financial and technical support for fortification.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Develops technologies and machinery to aid food fortification producers.

Republic Act 9711 (2008)

Food and Drug Administration Act strengthening BFAD, renaming it FDA, and expanding its capacity.

Republic Act 10028 (2009)

Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act requiring lactation stations and breaks for breastfeeding employees.

Lactation Station

Private, clean area in workplaces for mothers to express or breastfeed, mandated by RA 10028.

Republic Act 10611 (2013)

Food Safety Act creating a farm-to-fork regulatory framework to protect consumers from hazards.

Four Simple Steps to Food Safety

Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill—basic actions to prevent food-borne illnesses.

Food Safety Awareness Week

October campaign (Proclamation 160, 1999) promoting safe and clean food in the Philippines.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Illnesses caused by infectious or toxic agents ingested through contaminated food or water.

Anaphylaxis

Severe, rapid allergic reaction that can be fatal without prompt epinephrine treatment.

Allergy Awareness Month

May observance focused on educating the public about food allergies and safety.

Republic Act 10862 (2015)

Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016 regulating the practice of nutritionists-dietitians.

Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND)

Licensed professional recognized under RA 10862 for expert nutrition services.

Republic Act 11148 (2018)

Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act strengthening health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days.

First 1,000 Days of Life

Critical period from conception to two years old for maternal, neonatal, and child nutrition.