Sitoy wants calorie labels for foods

CEBU, Philippines - After his failed proposal for the mandatory printing of a nutritional content label on the packaging of chicharon, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy now wants foodstuff labels to show calorie contents of retail products.

Sitoy said he observed the proliferation in the market of foods that lack information on calorie content and nutritional value.

He also found out that some food manufacturers and processors do not indicate in their labels the energy or calorie contents.

“Like medicines, food should be taken by weight and measure of their calorie contents,” Sitoy said.

Sitoy cited that the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake requirements provide that women should consume at least 1,500 calories per day while men should consume at least 2,000 calories per day.

“This august body finds it imperative that food manufacturers and processors must indicate at the lower right portion of their products how many calories it has per serving,” Sitoy said.

Sitoy cited the Constitution and the Local Government Code which provide for the protection of consumers from trade malpractice and from substandard or hazardous products to promote their health and safety.

“Bulging waistlines, obesity-related diseases are caused by unhealthy diets,” Sitoy stressed.

Sitoy was earlier criticized when he proposed in 2010 for the mandatory printing of a nutritional content label on the packaging of chicharon.

Sitoy clarified that his proposed ordinance on chicharon was not meant to destroy the industry, but for them to have entrepreneurial social responsibility.

He said that the chicharon industry should find ways how to lower its cholesterol content.

Sitoy recalled that before his stroke he ate a pack of chicharon estimated at one kilo.

The PB Committee on Health headed by PB member Sergio Restauro conducted the public hearing in Carcar City, known for its chicharon products.

Carcar City Mayor Nicepuro Apura said that all who attended the public hearing opposed the ordinance of Sitoy and they want it disapproved by the PB.

Making chicharon has been a pre-war industry in Carcar City, thus making it as one of its heritage industries.  (FREEMAN)