Author: Hon. Francis Ray B. Alferez (City Youth Councilor) and Hon. Jessie R. Albeus, DMD (City Councilor)
Date Filed: July 13, 2026
This ordinance enacts the “Naga City Menu Calorie Labeling Ordinance,” which mandates that covered food service establishments display calorie counts on their menus and digital platforms. Recognizing a rising trend of over-nutrition and obesity—with national data indicating approximately 38.6% to 44.5% of adult Filipinos are overweight or obese—this local policy aims to empower consumers with transparent dietary information at the point of purchase, encouraging healthier culinary formulations to combat lifestyle-related diseases.
Highlights of Proposed Ordinance
- MANDATORY CALORIE DISCLOSURES: Requires covered establishments to prominently display the calorie content of standard menu items adjacent to the item’s name or price. The calorie count must be written in a font size and color at least as prominent as the price or name, expressed quantitatively (e.g., “350 calories”, “350 cal”, or “350 kcal”).
- CONTEXTUAL DIETARY STATEMENT: Mandates that all physical and digital menus include a standardized reference statement at the bottom of the page or screen to help consumers contextualize daily intake (e.g., “A 2,000 calorie daily diet is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary.”).
- DIGITAL AND DELIVERY COVERAGE: Extends calorie disclosure mandates to digital platforms, requiring establishments that utilize third-party food delivery apps or proprietary websites to make calorie information visible to the customer before checkout.
- SMART GRACE PERIODS FOR ADOPTION: To ease the logistical transition for businesses, the ordinance establishes a phased implementation timeline:
- Within 6 months: Fast-food chains and multi-branch franchises.
- Within 12 months: Covered independent restaurants and standalone establishments.
- BROAD EXEMPTIONS FOR MICRO-BUSINESSES: Exempts micro- and small-scale food enterprises—such as local carinderias, turo-turo stalls, neighborhood bakeries, market vendors, sari-sari stores, and temporary food stalls (tiangges). Daily chef specials, customized customer orders, and table condiments are also exempt.
- JOINT ENFORCEMENT & TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Designates the City Health Office (CHO) and the City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO) as joint implementing bodies. CPNO is tasked with acting as the technical resource arm, providing calorie-calculation tools and direct assistance to help local businesses analyze their recipes accurately.
- PROGRESSIVE PENALTY STRUCTURE: Establishes penalties for non-compliant establishments after their respective grace periods:
- First Offense: Written Warning with a 30-day compliance directive.
- Second Offense: A fine of P2,000
- Third Offense: A fine P5,000 of and suspension of the Business/Mayor’s Permit until compliance is met.
- Proposed