DTI-FDA program for micro entrepreneurs launched

The Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially launched recently the pilot of the Initiative ni DTI-DOH Operation: Livelihood (IDOL) Program.

The IDOL Program is a DTIDOH-FDA pilot program designed to provide micro enterprises/ entrepreneurs with the capacity to comply with the regulatory requirements of the FDA.

“As the regulatory body ensuring the safety of food, the FDA will streamline the processing of their applications for authorizations particularly License to Operate (LTO), without compromising the quality and safety of their products.” FDA Director General Nela Charade G. Puno said.

Qualified under the Program are micro enterprises which are single proprietorship, cooperative, partnership or corporation whose total assets are not more than 13 million.

They must also be engaged in the business of “manufacturing of low-risk food products” as classified per DOH AO No. 2014-0029 such as fats, oils, and fat emulsions; processed fruits, vegetable and edible fungi, seaweed, and nuts and seeds; confectionery; cereal-based products; processed meat and meat products, including poultry and game; bakery wares and bakery related products; sweeteners, including honey; salt, spices, soups, sauces, salads, and protein products; beverages; ready-to-eat savouries such as potato chips, chicharon, and snacks that are fish-based.

Another requirement is that they must be doing business in the National Capital Region and able to submit the registration requirements of the DTI-DOHFDA for the Program.

The DTI BC/NC and the DOH-FDA will facilitate the processing of all applications pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations — particularly focusing on food safety, and will release the approved authorizations through the DTI BC/NCs where the application was filed.