MEAT, fruit and vegetable vendors who are using colored bulbs and reflectors to make their products look fresh can be penalized if the Cebu City Council approves a proposed ordinance banning such devices.
Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. authored the measure after he noticed the practice in some markets.
His legislation is titled, “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Colored Bulbs and Reflectorized Shades in Fish, Meat, Fruit, and Vegetable Sections in Public and Private Markets or Groceries in Cebu City.” It is now with the committee on laws for review.
“Color is often the first element noticed in the appearance of a food product. In fresh food such as fruits and vegetables, we rely on the color to determine their level of ripeness and freshness. It shall be unlawful for any vendor or trader of vegetable, fish, fruits, and meat inside and outside of the public and private markets or groceries, talipapas and other premises where such food are sold to use colored bulbs or reflectorized shades in promoting or marketing their products,” read a portion of Gabuya’s measure.
Fines
The proposed ordinance states that a violator will have to pay fines—P1,000 (first offense), P2,000 (second offense) and P3,000 (third offense).
For the fourth and succeeding offenses, the violator has to pay a fine of P5,000 or face imprisonment of 10 days, or both, at the discretion of the court. A business establishment found violating the ordinance has to pay a P5,000 fine and a three-month suspension of its business permit.
If approved by the City Council, the ordinance mandates the Cebu City Market Authority Division, Probe (Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement) and the Department of Trade and Industry 7 to jointly formulate the implementing rules and regulations.
The City Council has the power to regulate the construction and operation of private markets, talipapas, or other similar buildings and structures, said Gabuya.
Gabuya said his proposed ordinance aims to protect and promote the right to health of the public. (JJL)