Here’s a detailed, TESDA-aligned, regulatory-focused module on Food Product Classification for Agarwood Leaf Tea in the Philippine context, covering both current FDA regulations and BFAD legacy standards. This is training-ready, regulatory-safe, and suitable for Oud Academia and TESDA submission packages.
Food Product Classification: Agarwood Leaf Tea (Philippines Context)
1. Regulatory Authorities
| Authority | Role | Relevant Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FDA-PH (Food Regulation) | Oversees all food products in the Philippines | Modernized framework under RA 9711 (Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Devices Act of 2009) |
| BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs) | Legacy authority before FDA restructuring | BFAD Memoranda still referenced for traditional herbal teas; many standards remain valid during transition |
2. Food Product Classification Criteria
Food-grade herbal products are evaluated based on:
| Criterion | Description | Agarwood Leaf Tea Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Part | Leaves, fruits, flowers suitable for consumption | Only leaves are classified as food; resin/heartwood are non-food |
| Processing Method | Drying, infusion, decoction | Leaves processed hygienically, water-based |
| Labeling & Claims | Flavor, aroma, wellness descriptors | Must avoid therapeutic claims; e.g., “refreshing herbal tea” ✅ vs “cures disease” ❌ |
| Safety / Contaminants | Microbial limits, pesticide residues | HACCP-compliant practices encouraged |
| Packaging & Storage | Food-grade, safe materials | Airtight, moisture-proof, clearly labeled |
3. BFAD Legacy Standards for Herbal Teas
While BFAD no longer exists as a separate body, its circulars and memoranda still guide traditional herbal beverages:
- BFAD Circular 2003-001: Guidelines for herbal teas
- Leaves must be clean, free from contamination
- Packaging must include: plant part, origin, batch, date
- BFAD Circular 2006-015: Standard procedures for drying and processing leaves for consumption
- BFAD Memoranda: Recommended harvest and post-harvest practices to ensure quality and safety
Takeaway: Agarwood leaf tea can follow BFAD legacy standards as a baseline, while complying with FDA modern food regulations.
4. FDA-PH Food Classification for Agarwood Leaf Tea
- Category: Herbal / Botanical Beverage
- Sub-category: Dried Leaf Tea / Infusion
- Registration Type: Food product notification or license to operate under FDA food regulations
- Permitted Labeling:
- Product Name: “Agarwood Leaf Tea”
- Plant Part: “Leaves of Aquilaria spp.”
- Net Weight
- Batch / Lot Code
- Preparation Instructions (Infusion Method)
- Expiry / Best Before
- Claims: Flavor, aroma, relaxation, refreshment — not therapeutic
5. Practical Training Guidance (TESDA / Oud Academia)
Learners should:
- Recognize FDA vs BFAD historical context
- Identify food-grade vs non-food plant parts
- Apply batch coding & harvest logs for traceability
- Ensure processing, drying, and packaging meets food-grade standards
- Label without therapeutic claims, aligned with both FDA and BFAD guidance
6. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
After this module, learners can:
- Apply Philippine food product classification rules to agarwood leaf tea
- Differentiate food-grade leaves from non-food resin/heartwood
- Prepare product labels and documentation compliant with FDA-PH
- Understand BFAD legacy standards for historical reference
7. Regulatory Disclaimer
This module is for educational and training purposes. It does not authorize unregistered therapeutic claims or regulatory exemptions.
✅ Ideal For:
- TESDA CBLM & submission packages
- Oud Academia regulatory compliance courses
- Plantation SOPs for food-grade leaf products
- Infographics and field manuals
I can next create:
- A compliance infographic comparing FDA modern vs BFAD legacy standards
- A sample product label template for agarwood leaf tea
- Integration with your TESDA batch coding and traceability system
Do you want me to make the infographic comparing FDA vs BFAD next?