Hot Right Now: Philippines pre-packaged food labelling, RSPO on EUDR, plant-based nutrient intake comparison and more feature in our round-up

Food label changes: Philippines updates policies governing sodium limits and caloric labelling in pre-packaged food products​

The Philippines Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has announced new changes to sodium content limits and how caloric values are to be displayed on the packaging of pre-packaged processed food products in the country.

In September 2023, the Philippines FDA issued a formal circular highlighting that food manufacturers and distributors in the country will need to adhere to updated labelling requirements for pre-packaged processed food products.

These changes were based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) nutritional system dietary standards used in the Philippines, which has been in force since 2002 but saw major updates based on advances in the understanding of energy and nutrient requirements back in 2015.

‘Not the most practical approach’: Stricter palm oil regulation will have serious food supply and cost implications – RSPO​

The implementation of stricter regulations for palm oil, one of the food sector’s most essential commodities, will lead to major supply and cost implications in APAC and beyond, says the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

The palm oil sector is bracing itself for the full implications of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) after it came into force earlier this year.

It is expected to lead to increased challenges for producer markets exporting palm oil to the EU – one of the biggest destinations for the commodity.

‘Significant differences’ in nutrients intake found between animal-based and plant-based diets, long-term impact hangs in the balance – study​

A new study reveals the key differences in nutrient intake when an animal-based diet is replaced with plant-based alternatives, with calls for greater in-depth research and consideration of such factors manufacturers when developing new products.

Sustainable nutrition and alternative proteins have been top-of-mind topics of the current century.

However, the nutritional advantages of a diet composed of plant-based alternatives (PBA) compared to one comprising animal-based proteins remains an area where more research is required.

Philippines sugar tax: ‘Watered-down’ policy will lead to fewer health gains – new data​

The sugar tax as implemented in the Philippines will lead to health and economic improvements, but to a lesser extent that if it had been enacted in its original form, new data suggests.

The tax that came into force was modified from its original version after a consultation period, with health campaigners expressing concerns that industry had too big an influence.           

In 2018, in response to the escalating rates of obesity, the Philippine government proposed a tax on sugar sweetened beverages (SBs) as part of a broader tax reform (Republic Act 10963 Section 47).

India iced tea innovation: Shark Tank-backed Beyond Water launches first RTD products with strong health focus​

India’s Beyond Water has launched its first ready-to-drink (RTD) iced tea in India, tapping on high-quality tea sourcing and consumers demand for healthier beverages.

The functional beverage company launched RTD iced tea, available in peach and lemon flavours, last month across India.

The 250ml bottled tea is made available via its website and the biggest online delivery apps such as Instamart, Blinkit and Zepto.