THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will continue to regulate the importation of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which is favored by the food industry and has depressed sugar prices.
“Sugar Order No. 3 is here to stay,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said in a statement, referring to an order issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), which claims the authority to regulate HFCS as part of its mandate to promote the development of the sugar industry.
Mr. Piñol said he and newly-installed SRA head Hermenegildo R. Serafica will work together to ensure the sugar industry’s interests are looked after.
The sugar industry has expressed concern that Sugar Order No. 3 will be canceled, after Mr. Piñol announced plans to put the policy on hold pending consultations with HFCS users, including Coca-cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc.
Sugar Order No.3, signed in February, sets the guidelines for the release of imported HFCS and chemically pure fructose.
The SRA has said an estimated 373,000 tons of the sweetener entered the country last year, up 58.72%. — Janina C. Lim
