2 QC public schools fined for selling ‘junk food’

The Quezon City Health Department has fined two public schools for failing a sanitation inspection and violating an ordinance prohibiting the sale of “junk food” inside campuses and in their immediate vicinity.

Officials of Pasong Tamo Elementary School (PTES) and Lagro High School were cited on Thursday for violation of Ordinance 2579 or the Anti-Junk Food and Sugary Drinks Ordinance.

Approved in June 2017, the ordinance states that canteens in private and public schools (from preparatory to high school), as well as stores within the 100-meter vicinity of such schools, should sell only nutritious food.

Artificial flavors and processed foods like hotdogs, meatloaf, corned beef and bacon are not allowed to be used to prepare meals served to students. Condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce, and the like are also not allowed on dining tables. Foods heavy in oil and fat are also banned.

Water, pure juices only

With regards to drinks, it allows only the sale of water and 100-percent natural fruit juices on campuses.

Establishments violating the ordinance face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second, and P5,000 for the third, with a possible revocation of barangay and business permits.

City Hall on Monday released a list of food items that may or may not be sold by school canteens and nearby stores under the ordinance.

PTES principal Dr. Arsenio Honrejas Jr., who was not present during the inspection, admitted that “we violated the ordinance. But I hope they would regulate and not just totally ban products with sugar. Or else we will end up selling nothing but water.” —JULIA ORNEDO AND ANDREA ALCARAZ