NGERULMUD, Palau – Senator Kazuki L. “Topps” Sungino has introduced Senate Bill No. 12-20, which seeks to require clear labeling of allergenic substances in all food products sold in Palau, including locally packaged meals like bento. The bill aims to add a new Chapter 11 to Title 20 of the Palau National Code to strengthen food safety standards and protect consumers with allergies.
Co-authored by Senators Ann Latii Pedro, Salvador Tellames, Stevenson Kuartei, Brian Melairei, Mark Rudimch, and Rukebai Inabo, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Kuartei.
During the Senate’s third day of its First Special Session on March 4, Senator Sungino explained that the measure was first introduced in the previous Olbiil Era Kelulau and that much of the groundwork has already been completed. He emphasized that the growing popularity of bentos and packaged meals in stores and markets has raised concern over allergens such as milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, soybeans, and wheat. “This makes it convenient for students, parents and the working class,” he said, “but people need to know what allergens may be present in these meals.” The Ministry of Health would be responsible for identifying the ingredients covered under the law.
Senator TJ Imrur Remengesau suggested adding “fish” to the list of allergens, citing personal knowledge of someone with a fish allergy. He also stressed the importance of addressing cross-contamination in food preparation, especially for those with severe allergies, and noted his support of the bill in its earlier version.
Senator Rukebai Inabo raised concerns about imported foods labeled in foreign languages and asked whether the law should require allergen information in such cases as well.
The committee will continue reviewing the proposal before it proceeds to the full Senate for further action. By: Eustoria Marie Borja