NextGen Day

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for a license to operate are being met by micro, small, and medium businesses (MSMEs) marketing packaged foods in Negros Oriental province with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

According to Maribel Sumanoy, the official in charge of DTI-Negros Oriental’s MSMEs Development Division, many MSMEs are still out of compliance with FDA regulations, which prevents them from being able to market their goods.

According to her, the FDA in this country has already begun removing pre-packaged food items from supermarkets and grocers for failing to meet the rules.

Many MSMEs are currently experiencing the brunt of sales losses as a result of such a policy due to the strict FDA requirements.

According to her, MSMEs that produce pre-packaged processed food items like chicharron, chorizo, regional specialties, special vinegar, virgin coconut oil, and even cosmetics must have a separate production facility outside of their homes and to adhere to the established standards.

Since many MSMEs are involved in small businesses and cannot afford it, the processing area is their biggest obstacle.

She pointed out that the Food Safety Act of 2013 contains numerous rules that apply to MSMEs but has not been adequately implemented by the Department of Health via the FDA in previous years.

The 2015 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) integration agreement enhanced the requirements for commodities from the Philippines by allowing the free flow of goods and services without tariffs.

She said, partially in Cebuano, “So we also have to do the same and implement strict requirements for products coming from our ASEAN neighbors to conform to our standards and requirements.”

MSMEs also need to obtain a mayor’s, business, and other permits in addition to the FDA requirements.

Sumanoy claimed that Negros Oriental only has one FDA officer posted here and neighboring Siquijor province, which has slowed the process even though many MSMEs are already completing their paperwork requirements.

Sumanoy advises MSMEs in Negros Oriental to begin adhering to FDA regulations while the DTI offers education and awareness to “change the MSMEs’ attitude.”

The DTI representative could not provide an exact number of MSMEs in Negros Oriental because many are operating online and/or aren’t registered.

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