House lawmakers seek to ban adding sugar in baby food

MANILA — Several House lawmakers have filed bills seeking to prohibit producers and manufacturers of baby food from adding sugar to their products.

House Bill 10169 was filed by Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon Uy, while House Bill 10119 was filed by Cavite Rep. Crispin Diego Remulla.

"The World Health Organization has reported that baby food on market that generally contain too much sugar pose a source of health concern," Cajayon-Uy said in her explanatory note.

Remulla's bill, also known as the "No-Added Sugar on Baby Foods Act," penalizes violations with a fine between P300,000 to P500,000 and/or imprisonment from 1 to 2 5 years.

"The World Health Organization has consistently warned against the detrimental effects of added sugars in the diets of infants and young children, including a heightened risk of developing obesity, dental issues and type 2 diabetes later in life," Remulla said in his own explanatory note.

Cajayon's bill also has similar provisions.

Earlier this year, Sen. Imee Marcos filed a similar measure at the Senate.

READ: Ban sought on additional sugar in baby food