COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro lawmakers are pushing for the passage of BTA Parliament Bill No. 164, a proposed measure that aims to require all restaurants operating within the BARMM territory to clearly label their food items and condiments “with pork” to distinguish them from items made without pork or pork by-products.

The proposed legislation reflects the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to promoting consumer rights and ensuring that residents of the BARMM have access to clear and accurate information about the food they consume.

Once the bill becomes law, establishments operating within the BARMM will be required to comply with the labeling, display, and advertisement regulations outlined in the proposed measure.

The bill outlines clear guidelines for labeling food items “with pork” or any indication of the presence of pig, lard, or its by-products. Fast food restaurants will be required to prominently display such labeling on their promotional and marketing materials, menus within their premises, and even on the eMenus of online food delivery services operating in the BARMM.

Non-compliance with the labeling regulations will result in fines and the potential suspension of business activities. To oversee the effective implementation of these regulations, the bill calls for the establishment of the Fast Food Labeling Council. The council will be chaired by the Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism, with the Minister of Health serving as the vice chairperson.

The Council will comprise representatives from the BARMM business community, consumer groups, and relevant government departments. The diverse membership will ensure that a comprehensive range of perspectives are taken into account when making decisions and crafting regulations.

Among the council’s responsibilities are adopting rules and regulations, consulting with relevant government agencies, and investigating any violations of the labeling requirements. Appeals regarding decisions made by the council may be addressed to the Office of the Chief Minister within 30 days.

All causes of action arising from violations of this Act will have a one-year prescription period, commencing with the detection of infractions by the Fast Food Labeling Council or the authorities.

The bill is principally authored by MPs Hashemi Dilangalen, Eddie Alih, Tawakal Midtimbang, and Michael Midtimbang. (LTAIS- Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)