DTI urges coconut MSMEs to secure FDA permits for market expansion

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Eastern Visayas is urging coconut-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to obtain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits to expand their market reach and access government-supported trade fairs.

During the 2nd Eastern Visayas Regional Coconut Trade Fair in Tacloban City, DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato noted that the number of exhibitors decreased from 28 last year to 24 this year. This decline is attributed to stricter compliance requirements for food businesses. Under current directives, all participating food exhibitors must either hold a valid FDA License to Operate or have an active application in process.

Bato emphasized that these heightened standards are intended to improve product quality and enhance consumer protection rather than serve as a barrier to business. The DTI and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) continue to provide assistance to MSMEs to help them meet these regulatory requirements and facilitate compliance.