Code of Professional Conduct for Food Technologists

Legal Foundation and Promulgation of the Code of Professional Conduct

The Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology, under Resolution No. 01, Series of 2022, established the definitive framework for the practice of food technology in the Philippines. This resolution was born from the mandate provided by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11052, commonly referred to as the “Philippine Food Technology Act,” which was signed into law on June 29, 2018. Specifically, Section 6(j) of R.A. No. 11052 dictates that the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology (the Board) must prescribe and adopt both a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards. In a strategic move to streamline governance, the Board decided to integrate these two codes into a singular, comprehensive document known as the Code of Professional Conduct. This code serves as the primary set of principles governing the behavior and professional decision-making processes for all Professional Food Technologists in the country, following an extensive consultation process with relevant stakeholders.

General Principles of Food Technology Practice

The Code defines the fundamental duties of Food Technologists as citizens and professionals. Section 1 mandates that they must faithfully observe all laws, policies, rules, and legal orders issued by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines. Beyond basic legal compliance, Section 2 requires them to actively contribute to national development through their professional practice. Central to their identity, as stated in Section 3, is the prioritization of their responsibility to the community as a whole, focusing on the protection of public interest and general welfare. To maintain personal and professional integrity, Section 4 requires them to live up to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Finally, Section 5 outlines a social commitment and responsibility to report any illegal or unscrupulous activities or transactions to the competent authorities whenever they possess personal knowledge of such acts.

Article I: Responsibility as Professional Food Technologists

Article I details the specific responsibilities of Professional Food Technologists regarding public safety and professional ethics. According to Section 1, their primary work must ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the public and the environment. This involve employing food science for the benefit of society, ensuring food safety, and encouraging food consumption as part of a healthy diet. They must also consider the environmental consequences of their actions to ensure the efficient use of resources within food systems. Technologists are expected to understand critical perspectives regarding food systems, respect the letters and spirits of food laws and regulations, be aware of the social consequences of their field, and recognize the specific cultural and traditional needs of the Philippine community. Section 2 focuses on upholding professional ethics by requiring practitioners to undertake only those activities within their scope of competence or proficiency. They must support the ethical activities of their colleagues and consider how their individual actions affect public confidence in the profession. Furthermore, they should promote a working environment that encourages judgments based on science, represent their qualifications with total honesty, treat coworkers and their respective expertise with respect, and always give due credit to the work of others.

Article II: Responsibility Toward Customers and Employers

Article II outlines the duties of technologists as trusted and competent representatives for those they serve. Section 1 requires them to assume full responsibility for anyone relying on their scientific or technical advice. They are expected to perform all contractual obligations and commitments with zeal while maintaining the strictest respect for confidential information. A critical component of this responsibility is the disclosure of all existing and potential conflicts of interest that may arise during professional practice. Professional Food Technologists are tasked with either avoiding or effectively managing these conflict-of-interest situations. Additionally, they must ensure that their customers and employers fully understand the likely consequences if professional advice is not followed, thereby fulfilling their role as competent advisors.

Article III: Responsibility as Members of the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO)

Article III defines the relationship between the technologist and the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO). All Professional Food Technologists must abide by the AIPO's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. They are committed to ensuring the accuracy of information and advancing knowledge in Food Science and Technology to further the AIPO’s vision and mission. Members swear an oath to support the AIPO both financially and morally and must participate in programs for the benefit of the general membership. Section 1 also emphasizes extending the efficiency of the profession through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and sharing information with other professionals. Members must contribute to the positive reputation of the profession and participate in AIPO elections with integrity, resisting undue force or ill interests. They are prohibited from misrepresenting AIPO policies or making unauthorized statements on behalf of the organization. Furthermore, they should support the CPD Program, avoid exploiting their status to promote poorly supported or misleading scientific opinions, and support the development of students and junior professionals in the field.

Article IV: Responsibility as Members of the Scientific Community

Article IV focuses on the technologist’s role within the broader scientific world. Section 1 mandates that they be knowledgeable regarding the scientific basis of any benefits or harms associated with Food Science and Technology information. When communicating with consumers, they must ensure information is accurate, true, and not misleading in either its explicit or implicit claims. The highest degree of integrity is required in all research efforts, with results reported objectively and conclusions confined strictly to what the research supports. Proper citation and credit must be given to the work of others, as well as one's own previous work where appropriate. In reviewing the work of their peers, technologists must maintain objectivity through impersonal criteria. Finally, the code encourages the valuation of collective skepticism to prevent premature conclusions and the active avoidance of sources of bias among scientists.

Final Provisions, Penalties, and Administrative Compliance

The Code concludes with provisions regarding its interaction with other laws and the consequences of non-compliance. Explicitly, this Code does not override other local statutory and regulatory rules, such as those issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which must still be followed. The Board also reserves the right to adopt further international ethical and professional standards as needed. Any violation of the Code's provisions constitutes unethical or unprofessional conduct, which serves as sufficient cause for the revocation of a Certificate of Registration or suspension from practice under Section 21 of R.A. No. 11052. The Code was set to take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. The resolution was signed on March 18, 2022, in the City of Manila by Chairman Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr., and Commissioners Jose Y. Cueto, Jr. and Erwin M. Enad. It was published in the Business Mirror on March 25, 2022, making the official date of effectivity April 10, 2022. Copies were distributed to stakeholders, including the U.P. Law Center and the AIPO for Food Technologists.