Calorie labeling ordinance promotes informed food choices – Belmonte
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is joined by other officials and guests during the launch of the calorie labeling ordinance and its implementing rules and regulations on Thursday, January 30, 2025. (Jown Manalo / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City’s calorie labeling ordinance aims to help residents make healthier food choices and understand the impact of food on their health, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said during the ordinance’s launch on Thursday.
“With calorie labels on restaurant menus, QCitizens will have the power to choose healthier food and avoid lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease,” Belmonte said in Filipino during a media briefing at Quezon City Hall.
Belmonte launched and signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the ordinance, providing businesses with clear guidelines and a timeline for compliance.
She emphasized that this initiative was part of the city’s 14-point agenda, which promotes better public health and a livable, green, and sustainable Quezon City.
“The implementation of this calorie labeling ordinance is part of our commitment to bringing long-term solutions for improving healthcare in our city,” Belmonte said.
Article continues after this advertisementShe added that the local government would support businesses adjust to the new policy.
Article continues after this advertisement“With the help of the Quezon City Health Department, we will provide technical assistance, such as training and simplified guidance, to ensure compliance with the ordinance,” she said.
According to Quezon City Health Department head Dr. Ramona Asuncion Abarquez, the ordinance’s implementation will be conducted in three phases, starting on December 21, 2025.
Belmonte also announced incentives for small-scale businesses and eateries, commonly known as carinderias, that are not required to comply but choose to do so.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (Jown Manalo/INQUIRER.net)
“For businesses that voluntarily comply, even if they are not covered by the ordinance, we will provide incentives to recognize their contribution to public health,” she said.
The ordinance, signed on March 21, 2024, requires restaurants, fast-food chains, and other food establishments in Quezon City to display calorie counts for each serving of food on their menus.
Belmonte noted that the measure has been well received by citizens and stakeholders since it was signed.
“That’s why I am deeply grateful for the support of every one of you — from large businesses to small and medium enterprises, as well as our consumers, parents, and all individuals who actively participated in shaping this policy,” she said.