Philippine food industry urges science-based approach to nutrition policymaking
PCFMI calls for science-based, consultative food policymaking in the Philippines as nutrient profiling, front-of-pack labeling, and the proposed PNPM advance.
6/17/20262 min read
The Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI) is calling on regulators to anchor emerging food and nutrition policies in scientific evidence and meaningful industry consultation — a message the group brought to the fore at the PCFMI Food Summit 2026, held last month at Shangri-La The Fort in Manila.
The two-day summit, organized in partnership with Food Industry Asia (FIA), drew together food manufacturers, government regulators, and technical experts at a time when Philippine food policy is growing more complex. Discussions ranged from front-of-pack labeling proposals and nutrient profiling to local food ordinances, responsible marketing standards, product registration, and the role of food processing in improving public nutrition.
Regulation, nutrition, and food security converge
The proposed Philippine Nutrient Profile Model draws scrutiny
PCFMI president and chairperson Marites Directo framed the moment as a turning point for the industry. "The food industry is entering a period where nutrition, regulation, and food security are no longer separate conversations. They are deeply interconnected, and this means policymaking must also become more consultative, more science-based, and more grounded in the realities of the Philippine food system," she said.
The summit put a spotlight on food reformulation and ingredient innovation as key levers for delivering healthier products to consumers. Regional technical experts noted that while manufacturers continue investing in nutrition innovation, successful reformulation depends on enabling regulatory standards, realistic transition timelines, and an acknowledgment of scientific limitations — not one-size-fits-all mandates.
A central topic at the summit was the government's ongoing study of the proposed Philippine Nutrient Profile Model (PNPM), a classification framework being developed to underpin future measures such as front-of-pack labeling, food marketing restrictions, and potentially, product taxation.
PCFMI warned that the stakes of getting the PNPM right are high. "Frameworks such as the PNPM do not operate in isolation. They influence product reformulation, consumer communication, market access, and the future direction of innovation. This is why meaningful collaboration between regulators and private sector — and a clear understanding of implementation impact before policy adoption — are critical to getting policy right," Directo said.
The Food and Drug Administration echoed these concerns during discussions on product standards and registration, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based regulation and a thorough understanding of regulatory implications before any policy takes effect.
Government agencies affirm industry partnership
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) used the summit to reaffirm its support for the dairy and food manufacturing sectors. NDA administrator Atty. Marcus Antonius Andaya highlighted responsive product registration mechanisms and sustained stakeholder engagement as pillars of the agency's approach, underscoring the value of government working alongside industry to strengthen food security and innovation.
Participants also discussed the essential role of pre-packaged food in ensuring food safety, extending shelf life, and enabling reliable nationwide distribution — a particularly critical function in a country where food supply disruptions and price sensitivity remain persistent challenges.
A call for coherent, evidence-driven food policy
For PCFMI, the breadth of issues discussed at the summit points to a need for food regulation to evolve beyond isolated interventions. The group is pushing for a more coherent policy framework — one that simultaneously safeguards public health and supports national food security.
The chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government agencies, technical experts, and consumer organizations in shaping food regulations that are practical, evidence-driven, and responsive to the lived realities of Filipino consumers.
The PCFMI Food Summit 2026 was held in partnership with Food Industry Asia (FIA) at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.