Coffee processors told to comply with packaging standards

The Baguio City Micro, Small and Enterprise Development Council (BCMSMEDC) urged coffee processors in the city and traders to comply with proper product labelling standards, including source, production date, variety and percentage content for blended products.

Under a proposed resolution initiated by the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), the council noted that there is a growing demand from stakeholders, including local coffee councils and farmers’ cooperatives, for institutionalized proper labelling practices to protect city and regional identities, ensure product quality, and promote fair trade.

The council claimed that mislabeling or vague labelling of coffee products undermines the integrity of local coffee producers, misleads consumers and hampers efforts to promote genuine Cordillera coffee varieties.

Further, it has been observed that several coffee processors and traders operating in the city public market are not allegedly complying with established product labelling requirements, resulting in vague or misleading information regarding the origin, variety and composition of their coffee products.

According to the resolution, the Cordillera, particularly Benguet and Baguio City, is a recognized producer of high-quality Arabica coffee and the term Benguet Blend has become a widely used label for Benguet coffee products, often without clear indication of actual content or origin.

Republic Act (RA) 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, mandates that all consumer products must bear truthful and adequate labelling to protect consumers from deceptive, unfair, and unconsumable sales, acts and practices.

Moreover, Department Administrative Order No. 5-01, series of 2015 issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provides the implementing guidelines for marking and labelling requirements which include the obligation to disclose country of origin, production/manufacture date, and product composition for both imported and locally produced goods.

The council stipulated that the Philippine National Standards (PNS), developed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards under DTI, serves as the basis of product certification and labelling requirements, ensuring transparency and consumer protection across various sectors, including food and agricultural products. – Dexter A. See