Biosecurity refers to measures that are taken to stop the spread or introduction of harmful organisms to

human, animal and plant life. The measures taken are a combination of processes and systems that have
been put in place by bioscience laboratories, customs agents and agricultural managers to prevent the
use of dangerous pathogens and toxins.

Goals of Biosecurity

The main aim of biosecurity is to protect human health and to increase and protect agricultural produce
through the prevention, control and management of biological risk factors. Biosecurity also aims to
protect against acts of bioterrorism and to prevent adverse biosecurity events as well as offering advice
on appropriate interventions and political and social changes that should be adopted by government
regulatory agencies.

Biosecurity is important for a number of reasons. First, it is an essential aspect of on-farm food safety
programs. Keeping food products wholesome and of highest quality is important for the health and well-
being of consumers. This helps to ensure consumer demand for product, and therefore ultimately the
profitability of animal agriculture enterprises. Secondly, biosecurity should help keep animal healthy and
more productive. This benefits the farming community through greater efficiency and profitability, as
well as the animals through experiencing less disease. Finally, a vibrant agricultural community is a
positive influence on the economy of our state and nation, and an important resource in maintaining a
healthy environment.

Pesticides

Pesticides are important in modern farming and will remain indispensable for the foreseeable future.
Without them it would be practically impossible to produce the required quantities of food - in most
parts of the world and farming practices - to feed the world's growing population. However, since
pesticides are hazardous substances, there is increasing concern about the safety and quality of food
from such farms and in the surrounding environment. Thus, pesticides include many hazardous
substances. They must be applied with utmost care in the most efficient manner to protect crops and
farm animals, while leaving the lowest possible residues in food and the environment.

Pesticides, which are any substance intended to prevent or destroy pests, are used to protect food from
bacteria, weeds, mold, insects and rodents. In addition to their use in agriculture, pesticides are also
used to protect public health in controlling the vectors of tropical diseases, such as mosquitoes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides can be harmful to people, animals or the
environment because they are designed to kill or harm living organisms. Because of this, pesticide
residue on the foods you eat can have an effect on your health. Though the government regulates
pesticide use, residues are still found in our food supply. They may induce adverse health effects
including cancer, effects on reproduction, immune or nervous systems. Before they can be authorized for
use, pesticides should be tested for all possible health effects and the results should be analysed by
experts to assess any risks to humans.
Labeling is an important process in the food processing chain and should not be overlooked. The label is
the first point of contact between a consumer and the producer. It is used to identify one product from
another and also to make a decision over which product to purchase. The label is therefore the most
important marketing tool for a product. It should be attractive and eye catching while at the same time
being informative. A dirty, confused, untidy label will not help to sell a product.

Small scale food processors should aim to label their products with the best label they can obtain or
afford in relation to the value of the product.

The purpose of a food label:

To provide consumers with information on the product

To advertise the product

To distinguish the product from that of competitors (establish a brand)

It is a legal requirement

What should I include on a label?

As a good starting point, remember “the less the better”. As long as you meet all the minimum legal
requirements for the particular food product and the country you are selling in, you should not include
too much more. If the label looks cluttered and untidy, it will give the product a negative image.

The following are legal minimum requirements in most countries:

Product name

Manufacturers name and address

Date of manufacture and best before date (sell by date)

Ingredients list (in descending order of weight)

Net weight of product in the package.

The following are additional information that is optional:

The brand – it is optional to include a brand logo, but in terms of marketing your product and
establishing your brand in the market place, it is important to define and include a brand logo. That way
the consumer will quickly be able to find your products and come back to buy them.

Instructions for preparing the product

Storage instructions or instructions on storage after opening

Examples of recipes in which the product can be used

An e number if the product is being exported to Europe

A bar code.

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10611]

AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE FOOD SAFETY REGULATORY SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY TO PROTECT
CONSUMER HEALTH AND FACILITATE MARKET ACCESS OF LOCAL FOODS AND FOOD PRODUCTS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines inCongress assembled:

ARTICLE I

DECLARATION OF POLICY AND OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Food Safety Act of 2013”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that the
State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instil health consciousness among
them. Furthermore, Section 9, Article XVI provides that the State shall protect consumers from trade
malpractices and from substandard or hazardous products. Toward these ends, the State shall maintain a
farm to fork food safety regulatory system that ensures a high level of food safety, promotes fair trade
and advances the global competitiveness of Philippine foods and food products.

SEC. 3. Objectives. – To strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country, the State shall adopt
the following specific objectives:

(a) Protect the public from food-borne and water-borne illnesses and unsanitary, unwholesome,
misbranded or adulterated foods;

(b) Enhance industry and consumer confidence in the food regulatory system; and

(c) Achieve economic growth and development by promoting fair trade practices and sound regulatory
foundation for domestic and international trade.

Towards the attainment of these objectives, the following measures shall be implemented:

(1) Delineate and link the mandates and responsibilities of the government agencies involved;

(2) Provide a mechanism for coordination and accountability in the implementation of regulatory
functions;

(3) Establish policies and programs for addressing food safety hazards and developing appropriate
standards and control measures;

(4) Strengthen the scientific basis of the regulatory system; and

(5) Upgrade the capability of farmers, fisherfolk, industries, consumers and government personnel in
ensuring food safety.
SEC. 38. Penalty. – Any person who shall violate any provision of this Act shall suffer the penalties
provided hereunder:

(a) For the first conviction, a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than
One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) and suspension of appropriate authorization for one (1)
month shall be imposed;

(b) For the second conviction, a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not
more than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) and suspension of appropriate authorization for
three (3) months shall be imposed;

(e) For the third conviction, a line of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not
more than Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00) and suspension of appropriate authorization
for six (6) months shall be imposed;

(d) For violation resulting in slight physical injury of a person, upon conviction, a line of not less than Two
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not more than Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00)
and suspension of appropriate authorization for six (6) months shall be imposed. The offender shall also
pay the hospitalization and rehabilitation cost of a person;

(e) Fur violation resulting in less serious or serious physical injury of a person, upon conviction, a line of
not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not more than Three hundred thousand
pesos (P300,000.00) and suspension of appropriate authorization for one (1) year shall be imposed. The
offender shall also pay the hospitalization and rehabilitation cost of a person;

(f) For violation resulting in death of a person, upon conviction, the penalty of imprisonment of not less
than six (6) months and one (1) day but not more than six (6) years and one (1) day and a line of not less
than Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00) but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos
(P500,000.00) and permanent revocation of appropriate authorization to operate a food business shall
be imposed.

If the offender does not have the appropriate authorization, the imposable fines shall be doubled.
If the offender is a government personnel, in addition to the penalty prescribed herein, said personnel
shall be subjected to the appropriate civil service laws.

If the offender is a naturalized citizen, in addition to the penalty prescribed herein, the naturalization
certificate and the registration in the civil registry of said citizen shall be cancelled. Immediate
deportation after payment of line and service of sentence shall also be imposed.

If the offender is an alien, said alien shall be summarily deported after payment of fine and service of
sentence and perpetually barred from entering the country.

Any director, officer or agent of a corporation who shall authorize, order or perform any of the acts or
practices constituting in whole or in part a violation of Section 37 hereof, and who has knowledge or
notice of noncompliance received by the corporation from the concerned department, shall be
subjected to the penalties under this section.

In case the violation is committed by, or in the interest of a foreign juridical person duly licensed to
engage in business in the Philippines, such license to engage in business in the Philippines shall
immediately be revoked.

References

source: www.practicalaction.org

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/23/republic-act-no-10611/