EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.

51 October 20, 1986

ADOPTING A NATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES,
BREASTMILK SUPPLEMENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, PENALIZING VIOLATIONS
THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS, in order to ensure that safe and adequate nutrition for infants is provided, there is a
need to protect and promote breastfeeding and to inform the public about the proper use of
breastmilk substitutes and supplements and related products through adequate, consistent and
objective information and appropriate regulation of the marketing and distribution of the said
substitutes, supplements and related products;
WHEREAS, consistent with Article 11 of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk
Substitutes, the present government should adopt appropriate legislation to give effect to the
principles and aim of the aforesaid International Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, do hereby order:
Sec. 1. Title. This Code shall be known and cited as the "National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements and Other Related Products".
Sec. 2. Aim of the Code The aim of the Code is to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate
nutrition for infants by the protection and promotion of breastfeeding and by ensuring the proper use
of breastmilk substitutes and breastmilk supplements when these are necessary, on the basis of
adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution.
Sec. 3. Scope of the Code The Code applies to the marketing, and practices related thereto, of the
following products: breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula; other milk products, foods and
beverages, including bottle-fed complementary foods, when marketed or otherwise represented to
be suitable, with or without modification, for use as a partial or total replacement of breastmilk;
feeding bottles and teats. It also applies to their quality and availability, and to information
concerning their use.
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Code, the following definition of terms shall
govern:
(a) "Breastmilk Substitute" means any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or
total replacement for breastmilk, whether or not suitable for that purpose.
(b) "Complementary Food" means any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared, suitable as a
complement to breastmilk or to infant formula, when either becomes insufficient to satisfy the
nutritional requirements of the infant. Such food is also commonly called "weaning food" or
"breastmilk supplement."
(c) "Container" means any form of packaging of products for sale as a normal retail unit, including
wrappers.
(d) "Distributor" means a person, corporation or any other entity in the public or private sector
engaged in the business (whether directly or indirectly) of marketing at the wholesale or retail level a

product within the scope of this Code. A "primary distributor" is a manufacturer's sales agent,
representative, national distributor or broker.
(e) "Infant" means a person falling within the age bracket of 0-12 months.
(f) "Health care system" means governmental, non-governmental or private institutions or
organizations engaged, directly or indirectly, in health care for mothers, infants and pregnant women;
and nurseries or child care institutions. It also includes health workers in private practice. For the
purpose of this Code, the health care system does not include pharmacies or other established sales
outlets.
(g) "Health Worker" means a person working in a component of such health care system, whether
professional or non-professional, including volunteer workers.
(h) "Infant Formula" means a breastmilk substitute formulated industrially in accordance with
applicable Codex Alimentarius standards to satisfy the normal nutritional requirements of infants up
to between four to six months of age, and adapted to their physiological characteristics. Infant
formula may also be prepared at home in which case it is described as "home-prepared".
(i) "Label" means any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or other descriptive matter, written, printed,
stencilled, marked, embossed or impressed on, or attached to, a container of any product within the
scope of this Code.
(j) "Manufacturer" means a corporation or other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the
business or function (whether directly or through an agent or an entity controlled by or under contract
with it) of manufacturing a product within the scope of this Code.
(k) "Marketing" means product promotion, distribution, selling, advertising, product public relations,
and information services.
(l) "Marketing personnel" means any person whose functions involve the marketing of a product or
products coming within the scope of this Code.
(m) "Sample" means single or small quantities of a product provided without costs.
(n) "Supplies" means quantities of a product provided for use over an extended period, free or at a
low price, for social purposes, including those provided to families in need.
Sec. 5. Information and Education
(a) The government shall ensure that objective and consistent information is provided on infant
feeding, for use by families and those involved in the field of infant nutrition. This responsibility shall
cover the planning, provision, design and dissemination of information, and the control thereof, on
infant nutrition.
(b) Information and educational materials, whether written, audio, or visual, dealing with the feeding
of infants and intended to teach pregnant women and mothers of infants, shall include clear
information on all the following points: (1) the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding; (2) maternal
nutrition, and the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding; (3) the negative effect on

breastfeeding of introducing partial bottle-feeding; (4) the difficulty of reversing the decision not to
breastfeed; and (5) where needed, the proper use of infant formula, whether manufactured
industrially or home-prepared. When such materials contain information about the use of infant
formula, they shall include the social and financial implications of its use; the health hazards of
inappropriate foods or feeding methods; and, in particular, the health hazards of unnecessary or
improper use of infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes. Such materials shall not use any
picture or text which may idealize the use of breastmilk substitutes.
Sec. 6. The General Public and Mothers
(a) No advertising, promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, for
products, within the scope of this Code shall be printed, published, distributed, exhibited and
broadcast unless such materials are duly authorized and approved by an inter-agency committee
created herein pursuant to the applicable standards provided for in this Code.
(b) Manufacturers and distributors shall not be permitted to give, directly, or indirectly, samples and
supplies of products within the scope of this Code or gifts of any sort to any member of the general
public, including members of their families, to hospitals and other health institutions, as well as to
personnel within the health care system, save as otherwise provided in this Code.
(c) There shall be no point-of-sale advertising, giving of samples or any other promotion devices to
induce sales directly to the consumers at the retail level, such as special displays, discount coupons,
premiums, special sales, bonus and tie-in sales for the products within the scope of this Code. This
provision shall not restrict the establishment of pricing policies and practices intended to provide
products at lower prices on a long term basis.
(d) Manufacturers and distributors shall not distribute to pregnant women or mothers of infants any
gifts or articles or utensils which may promote the use of breastmilk substitutes or bottle feeding, nor
shall any other groups, institutions or individuals distribute such gifts, utensils or products provided
by this Code.
(e) Marketing personnel shall be prohibited from advertising or promoting in any other manner the
products covered by this Code, either directly or indirectly, to pregnant women or with mother of
infants, except as otherwise provided by this Code.
(f) Nothing herein contained shall prevent donations from manufacturers and distributors of products
within the scope of this Code upon request by or with the approval of the Ministry of Health.
Sec. 7. Health Care System
(a) The Ministry of Health shall take appropriate measures to encourage and promote breastfeeding.
It shall provide objective and consistent information, training and advice to health workers on infant
nutrition, and on their obligations under this Code.
(b) No facility of the health care system shall be used for the purpose of promoting infant formula or
other products within the scope of this Code. This Code does not, however, preclude the
dissemination of information to health professionals as provided in Section 8(b).

(c) Facilities of the health care system shall not be used for the display of products within the scope
of this Code, or for placards or posters concerning such products.
(d) The use by the health care system of "professional service" representatives, "mothercraft nurses"
or similar personnel, provided or paid for by manufacturers or distributors, shall not be permitted.
(e) In health education classes for mothers and the general public, health workers and community
workers shall emphasize the hazards and risks of the improper use of breastmilk substitutes
particularly infant formula. Feeding with infant formula shall be demonstrated only to mothers who
may not be able to breastfeed for medical or other legitimate reasons.
Sec. 8. Health Workers
(a) Health workers shall encourage and promote breastfeeding and shall make themselves familiar
with objectives and consistent information on maternal and infant nutrition, and with their
responsibilities under this Code.
(b) Information provided by manufacturers and distributors to health professionals regarding
products within the scope of this Code shall be restricted to scientific and factual matters and such
information shall not imply or create a belief that bottlefeeding is equivalent or superior to
breastfeeding. It shall also include the information specified in Section 5(b).
(c) No financial or material inducements to promote products within the scope of this Code shall be
offered by manufacturers or distributors to health workers or members of their families, nor shall
these be accepted by the health workers or members of their families, except as otherwise provided
in Section 8(e).
(d) Samples of infant formulas or other products within the scope of this Code, or of equipment or
utensils for their preparation or use, shall not be provided to health workers except when necessary
for the purpose of professional evaluation or research in accordance with the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Ministry of Health. No health workers shall give samples of infant formula to
pregnant women and mothers of infants or members of their families.
(e) Manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code may assist in the
research, scholarships and continuing education, of health professionals, in accordance with the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Health.
Sec. 9. Persons Employed by Manufacturers and Distributors Personnel employed in marketing
products within the scope of this Code shall not, as part of their job responsibilities, perform
educational functions in relation to pregnant women or mothers of infants.
Sec. 10. Containers/Label
(a) Containers and/or labels shall be designed to provide the necessary information about the
appropriate use of the products, and in such a way as not to discourage breastfeeding.
(b) Each container shall have a clear, conspicuous and easily readable and understandable
message in Pilipino or English printed on it, or on a label, which message can not readily become
separated from it, and which shall include the following points:

(i) the words "Important Notice" or their equivalent;

(ii) a statement of the superiority of breastfeeding;
(iii) a statement that the product shall be used only on the advice of a health worker as to the need
for its use and the proper methods of use; and
(iv) instructions for appropriate preparation, and a warning against the health hazards of
inappropriate preparation.
(c) Neither the container nor the label shall have pictures or texts which may idealize the use of
infant formula. They may, however, have graphics for easy identification of the product and for
illustrating methods of preparation.
(d) The term "humanized", maternalized" or similar terms shall not be used.
(e) Food products within the scope of this Code marketed for infant feeding, which do not meet all
the requirements of an infant formula but which can be modified to do so, shall carry on the label a
warning that the unmodified product should not be the sole source of nourishment of an infant.
(f) The labels of food products within the scope of this Code shall, in addition to the requirements in
the preceding paragraphs, conform with the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Sec. 11. Quality
(a) The quality of products is an essential element for the protection of the health of infants, and
therefore shall be of high recognized standard.
(b) Food products within the scope of this Code shall, when sold or otherwise distributed, meet
applicable standards recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and also the Codex
Code of Hygienic Practice for Foods for Infants and Children.
(c) To prevent quality deterioration, adulteration or contamination of food products within the scope
of this Code, distribution outlets, including the smallest sari-sari store, shall not be allowed to open
cans and boxes for the purpose of retailing them by the cup, bag or in any other form.
Sec. 12. Implementation and Monitoring
(a) For purposes of Section 6(a) of this Code, an inter-agency committee composed of the following
members is hereby created:
Minister of Health ........................................... Chairman
Minister of Trade and Industry .......................... Member
Minister of Justice .......................................... Member
Minister of Social Servicesl and Development ... Member

The members may designate their duly authorized representative to every meeting of the
Committee.
The Committee shall have the following powers and functions:
(1) To review and examine all advertising, promotion or other marketing materials, whether
written, audio or visual, on products within the scope of this Code;
(2) To approve or disapprove, delete objectionable portions from and prohibit the printing,
publication, distribution, exhibition and broadcast of, all advertising promotion or other
marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, on products within the scope of this
Code;
(3) To prescribe the internal and operational procedure for the exercise of its powers and
functions as well as the performance of its duties and responsibilities; and
(4) To promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the
implementation of Section 6(a) of this Code.
(b) The Ministry of Health shall be principally responsible for the implementation and enforcement of
the provisions of this Code. For this purpose, the Ministry of Health shall have the following powers
and functions:
(1) To promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the
implementation of this Code and the accomplishment of its purposes and objectives.
(2) To call the assistance of government agencies and the private sector to ensure the
implementation and enforcement of, and strict compliance with, the provisions of this Code
and the rules and regulations promulgated in accordance herewith.
(3) To cause the prosecution of the violators of this Code and other pertinent laws on
products covered by this Code.
(4) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary for or incidental to the
attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Code.
Sec. 13. Sanctions
(a) Any person who violates the provisions of this Code or the rules and regulations issued pursuant
to this Code shall, upon conviction, be punished by a penalty of two (2) months to one (1) year
imprisonment or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) nor more than Thirty
Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) or both. Should the offense be committed by a juridical person, the
chairman of the Board of Directors, the president, general manager, or the partners and/or the
persons directly responsible therefor, shall be penalized.
(b) Any license, permit or authority issued by any government agency to any health worker,
distributor, manufacturer, or marketing firm or personnel for the practice of their profession or
occupation, or for the pursuit of their business, may, upon recommendation of the Ministry of Health,

be suspended or revoked in the event of repeated violations of this Code, or of the rules and
regulations issued pursuant to this Code.
Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. All laws, orders, issuances, and rules and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 15. Separability Clause. The provisions of this Executive Order are hereby deemed separable.
If any provision thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality
shall not affect the other provisions which shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 16. Effectivity This Executive Order shall take effect thirty (30) days following its publication in
the Official Gazette.
Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and
eighty-six.

Introduction
On October 10, 1986, the National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes,
Breastmilk Supplements, and Other Related Products (the Milk Code) was enacted by former
President Corazon C. Aquino via Presidential Order No. 51. President Aquino had issued E.O.
No. 51 pursuant to her then consolidated legislative and executive emergency powers. In
addition, the Milk Code was enacted with the extensive involvement of the United Nations
(WHO/UNICEF) in the Philippine national affairs. While the Philippines is apparently one of the
best regulatory policies that protect breastfeeding, there are many challenges besetting the Milk
Code; as such, court battles between the government and multinational milk companies. Health
Assistant Secretary Dr. Elmer G. Punzalan, during the Media Breastfeeding Forum, revealed that
mothers stop breastfeeding their babies because of wrong information and misconceptions
acquired elsewhere. The purpose of this study is to assert the importance of increasing and
sustaining the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding in Bacolod City, to improve
the health and nutrition, and to reduce the mortality rate of its youngest citizens. We aim to show
in our study that the Bureau of Food and Drugs(BFAD) and the Department of Health(DOH)
need to ensure that the rules set by the Milk Code are implemented and noncomplying
companies be sanctioned for the violations of the said code . In the first part of this study, we
provided an overview of current knowledge about breastfeeding. We had presented the benefits
and risks of breastmilk, the evolution of recommended breastmilk substitutes, breastmilk
supplements, and other related products, and contextualized the guidelines pursuant to the Milk
Code. As our methodology applied for this research, a survey was conducted to determine the

awareness of women, mothers in particular, about breastfeeding and its health and nutritional
claims. The survey includes breastfeeding questions on whether the child was breastfed, for how
long was the child breastfed, and how old was the child when he/she was first fed formula among
others.

Our conclusion was reached by discussing basic research questions pertaining to

exclusive breastfeeding promotion, counselling, seminars, and optimal breastfeeding practices.

We believe the research efforts outlined here will maximize the initiation of exclusive
breastfeeding and will reduce infant mortality.
Every mother has a right to breastfeed and every child has a right to be breastfed!
No less than the Philippines's Supreme Court has acknowledged that:
"the best nourishment for an infant is mother's milk. There is nothing greater than for a mother to nurture
her beloved child straight from her bosom. The ideal is, of course, for each and every Filipino child to enjoy
the unequaled benefits of breastmilk."
There is an extensive body of research documenting the importance of breastfeeding and in turn the
associated risks of formula feeding. Some examples of these research studies were mentioned in a published
hand-out entitled, "Risks of Formula Feeding, A Brief Annotated Bibliography" prepared and published by
INFACT Canada in November 2002 (Second revision July 2006). Results of the studies are on the following
page.

Risks of Formula Feeding

For Infants and Children:

Asthma, allergy, acute respiratory disease, infection from contaminated formula, nutrient
deficiencies, childhood cancers, chronic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity,
gastrointestinal infections, mortality, otitis media and ear infections, side effects of environmental
contaminants, altered occlusion, and

Reduced cognitive development

For Mothers

Breast cancer, overweight, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid
arthritis, maternal diabetes,

Reduced natural child spacing,

Increased stress and anxiety

These are just some of the reasons why it is imperative to protect and promote breastfeeding. Fortunately,
there is the "MILK CODE."

I. What is the Milk Code?

E.O. 51, commonly referred to as, "The Milk Code", is a law that ensures safe and adequate nutrition for
infants through the promotion of breastfeeding and the regulation of promotion, distribution, selling,

advertising, product public relations, and information services artificial milk formulas and other covered
products.

II. What products does the Milk Code cover?

Breast milk substitutes, including infant formula and milk supplements

Foods, beverages, and other milk products (when marketed or represented to be suitable, with or
without modification, for use as partial or total replacement for breast milk)

Bottle-fed complementary foods

Feeding bottles and teats.

III. Policies

Exclusive breastfeeding is for infants from 0 to 6 months.

Breast milk has no substitute or replacement.

NOTE: Breastfeeding is best for babies ESPECIALLY during disasters.

In addition to breastfeeding, appropriate and safe complementary feeding of infants should start
from 6 months onwards.

Breastfeeding is still appropriate for children up to 2 years of age and beyond.

Infant or milk formula may be harmful to a child's health and may damage a child's formative
development.

Other related products such as teats, feeding bottles, and artificial feeding paraphernalia are
prohibited in health facilities.

IV. Rules on donations

Donation of products and materials defined and covered by the Milk Code shall be strictly prohibited.

Other donations which are given in kind or in cash by milk companies, their agents, and their
representatives, must be coursed through the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) for approval.

V. Prohibitions/Violations

Advertising, promotion, and other marketing materials that are not approved by the IAC.

NOTE: Marketing materials approved by the IAC reflect the IAC approval numbers in this format: IAC EO51
CA No. 10-___

Giving of samples and supplies of covered products to any member of the general public, hospitals,
health facilities, personnel within the healthcare system, and members of their families.

Point-of-sale advertising, giving of samples, or any promotion devices to induce sales directly to
consumers at the retail level (ex. special displays, discount coupons, premiums, rebates, special
rates, bonus and tie-in sales, loss-leaders, prizes or gifts).

Gifts, articles or utensils [that may promote the use of breast milk substitutes or bottle feeding]
given to pregnant women, mother of infants, the general public and all mothers.

Direct or indirect promotion of covered products to pregnant women or mothers of infants.

Gifts of any sort with or without company name, logo, or brand name, given by milk companies,
manufacturers, distributors, and representatives of products covered by the Code, to any member
of the general public, hospitals, and other health facilities, including their personnel and members of
their families.

Promotion of infant formula or other products covered by the Milk Code in the healthcare system.

Undermining of breastfeeding (e.g. outright prescribing of infant formula without medical or other
legitimate reasons)

Display of products covered by the Milk Code or placards and posters concerning such products in a
healthcare facility.

Using of "professional service" representatives, "mother craft nurses", or similar personnel provided
or paid for by manufacturer or distributors of products covered by the Milk Code in the healthcare
system.

Assistance, logistics, or training, financial or material incentives, or gifts of any sort from milk
companies to health workers.

Information that implies or creates a belief that bottle feeding is equivalent or superior to
breastfeeding.

Accepting financial or material incentives or gifts of any sort, from milk companies, by a health
worker.

Providing samples of infant formula or other covered products, or of equipment and utensils for
their preparation or use to health workers.

Giving of samples of infant formula to pregnant women and mothers of infants or their family
members by a health worker.

Health and nutrition claims on labels and in advertisements.

False or misleading information or claims on labels and in advertisements.

Texts, pictures, illustrations, or information that discourage or seemingly undermine the benefits or
superiority of breastfeeding, or that idealize the use of breast milk substitutes and milk
supplements.

Examples:

Pictures of babies and children with their parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives, or
caregivers (yaya).

The terms "humanized", "maternalized", "close to mother's milk", or similar words in describing
breast milk substitutes or milk supplements.

Pictures or texts idealizing the use of infant and milk formula.

Opening of cans and boxes in Distribution outlets, including the smallest sari-sari store for the
purpose of retailing covered milk products by the cup, bag or in any other form.

Containers/Labels that are not compliant to Department Circular No. 2008-0006.

VI. Milk Code Monitor

Anyone who is committed in protecting and promoting breastfeeding can be a Milk Code monitor.
A Milk Code Monitor

Monitors compliance and problems encountered in the implementation of the Milk Code

Submit reports on the status of the Milk Code implementation to the FDA

Verify reports of Milk Code violations

Monitors the labels and marketing practices of products within the scope of the Code at various
distribution centers

Carry out monitoring activities at any time, or based on specific reports/suggestions from the FDA in
their respective jurisdictions

VII. Reporting
A report of alleged violation should be supported by these items:
1.

Date and place where the violation was found or seen

2.

Specific location (health facility, store, TV ad, radio/TV channel)

3.

For printed matter, get a sample or picture of the violation

4.

For radio/TV ad or programs, clearly specify the airing time and TV channel or radio frequency

5.

For website-based violations, provide the web link

6.

For violative (ex. mislabeled or misbranded) products, a sample shall be purchased, and the receipt
obtained and submitted as part of the evidence

VIII. How and where can the reports be given?

Written reports
1.

Submit to the BFAD Central Office at Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City,
addressed to the Director, or

2.

Submit to the CHD Offices, addressed to the CHD Director

B. Telephone reports

Report the alleged violation to the BFAD IAC Secretariat at tel. no. 028078386.

BFAD Website: www.bfad.gov.ph

Supply the information enumerated in VII-A.

IX. What sanctions may be imposed on Milk Code violators?

Imprisonment of two months to one year.

A fine of not less than ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00) and not more than THIRTY THOUSAND
PESOS (P30,000.00), or

Suspension or revocation of license.

x. Current Events
Working Mothers Support Passage of Revised Milk Code
June 07, 2014
Manila, Philippines - With the battle against infant and young child malnutrition raging on, womens group
Working with Working Mothers (WOW-Mothers) fully supports the efforts to revise and reform Executive
Order 51, otherwise known as the Milk Code. Since its enactment in 1986, the Milk Code has been at the
forefront in the promotion and support of breastfeeding. However, despite its existence for almost three
decades now, breastfeeding rates in the country remain low. Clearly, the Milk Code must be able to
encourage Filipino mothers to breastfeed while keeping up with the fast-paced lifestyle of today.
In the 15th Congress, several bills have been filed to address the problem of low breastfeeding rates.
Significantly, these bills recognize that proper education of mothers and pregnant women is vital in ensuring
sustained breastfeeding. They also emphasize that breastfeeding is the gold standard of nutrition for infants,
while recognizing that the decision to breastfeed should be the mothers alone.
This is in line with WOW-Mothers belief that mothers milk is best for babies and that Filipino women also
deserve to make informed choices, advocating the right of all women to proper and timely information,
especially in matters of nutrition and child-rearing.
WOW-Mothers believes that government and society have a responsibility to create conditions that enable
us to better perform and balance our roles as women, mothers, and professionals, said WOW-Mothers
President Helen Macasaet.
In the present, women have grown out of the traditional and solitary role of home-makers and child-rearers
as dictated by society for centuries. The women of today have come to establish themselves in the
workplace, with many still finding enough time to care for the household the way only mothers can.
According to Macasaet, WOW-Mothers sees the necessity of making the Milk Code responsive to the needs
of Filipino mothers. We are pleased that the pending bills promote not just breastfeeding, but maternal
health as well. It is an instrument for women to make informed choices. We believe it will empower women
and help them make educated choices in health and nutrition.
Working with Working Mothers, Inc. (WOW-Mothers) is a non-profit organization representing the more than
20 million working women in the Philippines. As an innovative, problem-solver organization, WOW-Mothers
upholds every Filipino mothers right to work and care for her family through engagements with leaders in
the government and in business.

The Management of National Halal Certification & International Relationship in Halal Industry
February 01, 2015
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was given a chance to participate in the training programme
entitled The Management of National Halal Certification and International Relationship in Halal Industry
held on 16 to 29 November 2014 at the Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia (ILIM), Selangor, Malaysia. This
training, exclusively organized for the Philippines, was funded by the Malaysian Technical Cooperation
Program (MTCP); and attended by one (1) representative from DTI-ARMM, one (1) from DOH-ARMM, two (2)
from DA-ARMM, two (2) from DOST-ARMM, two (2) from TESDA, and one (1) from FDA. The training covers
Halal guiding principles, Halal ecosystem, established Malaysian Halal standards and regulations, certification
process, problems encountered in implementation, and global market potentials for Halal products and
services. It also involved visits to establishments producing Halal products (i.e. Ayamas Food Corporation
Sdn Bhd, Ramly Food Processing Sdn Bhd, Beryls Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd, and Pharmaniaga
Manufacturing Berhad). The following components of the Malaysian Halal ecosystem were also visited:
Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM, Malaysias sole certifying body); Halal Industrial Development
Corporation (responsible for promotion of Halal industry); Malaysian Halal Executive Profession Association
(responsible for training of Halal Executives); and University of Putra Malaysia (assists in Halal research and
development). As a course requirement, the participants submitted an Action Plan that aims to establish the
Halal ecosystem for the Philippines. Thus, it is expected that the participants respective agencies/offices will
cooperate in the future inter-agency initiatives on the development of Halal ecosystem and promotion of
Halal industry in the Philippines.
Who's violating the Milk Code?
April 17, 2015
by Vanessa Cabacungan
Posted on 05/10/2014 4:50 PM | Updated 05/10/2014 8:40 PM

MILK. The World Health

Organization and the Philippine Department of Health encourage mothers to breastfeed. The Milk Code
promotes this, but is continuously being violated. Image from Shutterstock
MANILA, Philippines Have you ever heard of the Milk Code?
Yes, there is a Philippine law on milk.
Implemented in 1986, the Milk Code or Executive Order 51 ensures the protection of breastfeeding. In
the Philippines, it institutionalized the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes which is a World Health Organization (WHO) resolution passed in 1981.
Breastfeeding plays an important role in reducing infant mortality, according to Dr Anthony Calibo, head of
the Philippines Newborn Care Program Family Health Office of the Department of Health (DOH).
(READ: Hungry and pregnant in the PH)
Calibo emphasized that most infant deaths occur in health facilities where infants were not properly
breastfed. (READ: Why you should care about breastfeeding)
Undernutrition remains to be the underlying cause of preventable child deaths in the Philippines.
(INFOGRAPHIC: Top killer diseases among malnourished kids)
As of 2011, a survey conducted by FNRI shows that 20.2% of children below 5 years are underweight,
while 33.6% are stunted. (READ: Addressing malnutrition in the PH)
Poor breastfeeding practices, wherein infants are not exclusively breastfed for birth to 6 months, often lead
to the malnourishment of children. (WATCH: Peter Pan and never growing up)

Violating the code

However, since its implementation, the Milk Code has faced strong opposition from the milk industry and
countless of challenges on legislative and local levels.
In the past two years, two bills have been passed that significantly weaken the regulations of the Milk Code
House Bill 2917 by Representative Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel and Senate Bill 671by Senator
Loren Legarda.
As a response, 5 new bills presenting improved and comprehensive versions of EO 51 were filed in both
Houses during the 16th Congress. These include House Bill 2994 by Representative Philip Pichay and Senate
Bill 1303 by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
The latter is considered a good bill but sets prohibitions only for advertising and marketing products
intended for infants 0-24 months, and contains inconsistencies within the bill. (READ: Congressmen urged
to keep Milk Code intact)
According to World Vision, a staunch advocate of breastfeeding, the Philippine government needs to improve
the enforcement of the Milk Code instead of repealing its existing provisions.
Milk industry

MILK INDUSTRY. Some

breastfeeding advocates say it is the milk industry that blocks the success of the Milk Code. AFP file
photo
WHO identified weak or poor monitoring systems as the key problem in promoting the Milk Code.
In the Philippines, the lack of funding makes it difficult to report violations of the Code.
Despite having only two reported violations since 2006, hidden violations continue to challenge the
popularization of the Milk Code.

The milk industry stands as the main opposition to the Milk Code given its strong reliance on consumer
recall and awareness to increase its sales, Calibo argued.
False promises and claims to the use of formula milk often used in advertising and promotion can greatly
influence mothers. (READ: Role of dads in breastfeeding)
Calibo explained that health professionals often fall prey to the dirty tactics of milk companies. They receive
incentives such as travel, food, and non-monetary items in exchange for the promotion of breast milk
substitutes. These violations often go unreported.
Few exceptional milk companies do adhere to the Milk Code, but the common rule is to not abide by it, or
pretend that the Milk Code does not exist," Calibo said.
Advocates like Calibo stressed the need to promote breast feeding especially during disasters, wherein
donations of formula milk are rampant. Such donations run contrary to the "No Milk Donation" provision of
the Milk Code.
Collective action
Milk Code monitoring is not just the responsibility of the Department of Health (DOH), but the responsibility
of the public, Calibo emphasized.
If a lot of infants have been put to the breast we would not have wasted lives. A breastfed child is an
investment of the country, he added.
The DOH urges the public to contribute to the efforts of promoting the protection of breast feeding.
Collective efforts, through partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and public vigilance, are the
most effective means to protect the Milk Code against violations.
The public is encouraged to report violations to Milk Code Philippines or write directly to the Food and
Drug Administration.
Ordinary citizens can examine advertisements that undermine breast feeding or give false claims.
Moreover, health professionals actively discouraging breast feeding hence violating the code can also be
reported by including their name, institution, time and place where the violation was made. Rappler.com
Why protect the Milk Code?
April 17, 2015
by Monalinda Cadiz
Posted on 03/31/2014 6:44 PM | Updated 04/04/2014 12:50 AM

BREASTFEEDING. Exclusive
breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with adequate complementary
feeding alone were estimated to prevent almost one-fifth of under-five deaths in developing countries
like the Philippines. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP
MANILA, Philippines About 3 in every 10 children, aged 6 months to 5 years old, are suffering from chronic
undernutrition in areas heavily damaged by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), according to a post-Yolanda nutrition
survey.
The February to March survey was done by the Nutrition Cluster. It was led by the government, with
members from local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as bilateral
organizations responding to Yolanda-hit areas.
Chronic undernutrition, otherwise known as "stunting," affects more than just the physical growth of a
child.
Studies show that if left unsolved, it hinders children from reaching their full potentials. It can damage their
cognitive development which affects school performance, and later productivity in adult life.
Worse, undernutrition combined with illness and infections is lethal. Afterall, undernutrition contributes to
45% of all under-5 deaths.
Preventive measures against stunting

Chronic undernutrition is a prolonged case of poor nutrition, starting from pregnancy,

up to two years old. (WATCH: Peter Pan and never growing up)
Sadly, undernutrition during this period is irreversible. Solving undernutrition for
children older than 2 years old will not repair the damage in growth faltering.

The first 1,000 days in the life of a child is therefore aptly dubbed the "window of
opportunity" because this is when easy and inexpensive sources of infant and young
child nutrition can have the most contribution to a childs growth and development.
World Vision, through its Child Health Now Campaign, calls on government to prioritize
prevention of undernutrition through effective infant and young child nutrition,
particularly for the first 1,000 days.
The Child Health Now Campaign is World Visions first global advocacy campaign that
aims to contribute to Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 which commits to the
decrease in preventable child deaths.
As undernutrition contributes to nearly half of all preventable child deaths, Child Health
Now sees good nutrition as the best start to help children reach their 5th birthday.
The latest rate of stunting in the Philippines is at 33.6%, or at least 3 in every 10
children.
Child Health Now in the Philippines works with the national and local governments and the nutrition coalition
of NGOs for the prevention of chronic undernutrition.
The Child Health Now Campaign calls on the Philippine government to:

Commit and follow through on the Scale Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement to create an enabling
political environment, stronger leadership, and cohesive partnership with nutrition-focused civil
society organizations

Intensify support to breastfeeding by refusing amendments to the Milk Code (Executive Order 51),
and instead, strongly enforce EO 51

Fully engage civil society and communities in the planning, monitoring and quality assurance of
health and nutrition services

Milk Code

MILK CODE. World Vision

continues to be vigilant for any attempts of policymakers to amend and water down the Milk Code.
Photo from World Vision.
The Word Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) rank breastfeeding as topmost
preventive child survival measure to reduce under-5 mortality.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding with adequate complementary
feeding alone were estimated to prevent almost one-fifth of under-5 deaths in developing countries.
Children who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life are 14 times more likely to survive than
non-breastfed children.
However, exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines is at only 27% in the latest available National Nutritional
Survey from 2011.
The Milk Code or Executive Order 51, signed by then president Corazon Aquino in 1986, is the law that
protects and promotes breastfeeding in the Philippines. It regulates the industry of formula milk

and other milk products.

While the Philippines has apparently one of the best regulatory policies that protect
breastfeeding, there are many challenges besetting the Milk Code, such as court battles
between the government and multinational milk companies.
The most recent of these are bills passed in both houses of Congress with amended
provisions relaxing the regulatory policy, and the attempt to lift the ban on milk
donations during the Yolanda relief response at the tail-end of 2013.
There were also reported but undocumented incidences of milk donations and blanket
distribution of formula milk during the Yolanda relief response.

The nutrition survey done 3-4 months after the typhoon notes an alarming rate of 42% of infants less than 6
months of age who were given infant formula on the day before the interview.
The rate is higher than the national average of 36% according to the National Nutrition Survey from 2008.
It is also reported that about 46% of infants and young children aged 0 to two years old are bottle-fed,
reflecting an increase from the 39% regional average of 2011.
The Child Health Now campaign works with other NGOs, through the nutrition coalition Koalisyon para
Alagaan at Isalba and Nutrisyon (KAIN), and supports the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in enabling
prioritization of the Infant and Young Child Nutrition strategy.
World Vision is the current convenor of KAIN, and continues to be vigilant for any attempts of policymakers
to amend and water down the Milk Code.
It also continues to work with NNC for the Philippine government to commit to the Scaling Up Nutrition
Movement, so the global movement on nutrition may bring value-adding support to in-country nutrition
interventions.
Child Health Now is also in 5 cities and municipalities piloting a citizen movement that calls on local
governments to fulfill their commitment to child nutrition. Rappler.com