24/06/2025
OFFICIAL STATEMENT of the Philippine Stakeholders for Nutrition and Dietetics, Inc. on the Unauthorized Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics - June 19, 2025
The Philippine Stakeholders for Nutrition and Dietetics (PSND), Inc. strongly reminds the public and all individuals offering nutrition-related services that the practice of Nutrition and Dietetics in the Philippines is strictly regulated under Republic Act No. 10862, entitled “An Act Regulating the Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics in the Philippines, Repealing for the Purpose Presidential Decree No. 1286, Known as the ‘Nutrition and Dietetics Decree of 1977’” or the "Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016"
Under Section 26 (Scope of Practice) of RA 10862, duly Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians (RNDs) are authorized to perform professional services such as:
• Providing medical nutrition therapy through the application of the Nutrition Care Process for purposes of disease prevention, treatment and management;
• Optimizing the health and well-being of patients/clients through the delivery of quality products, programs and services;
• Promoting nutritional health and well-being of individuals, groups, communities and populations;
• Setting standards, guidelines and policies that create and encourage an environment that supports nutritional health;
• Managing food and nutrition systems, including programs, projects and services;
• Facilitating and conducting food, nutrition and related research across a variety of practice settings; and
• Educating and training others about food and nutrition in a variety of practice settings.
The PSND has observed with increasing concern the rise of individuals providing nutrition and dietary advice referring to themselves as “Nutrition Coaches,” “Wellness Consultants,” or “Nutritionists” without the appropriate professional credentials or license issued by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
We remind the public and concerned individuals that under Section 39 (Penal Provision) of RA 10862, it is unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of Nutrition and Dietetics without a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card from PRC. Misrepresenting oneself as a licensed professional and dispensing dietary or nutrition advice without proper qualification constitutes a violation of the law and may endanger public health and safety.
We call on all unregistered individuals and groups involved in the delivery of nutrition-related advice to cease any activity that may be construed as unauthorized practice and to refrain from using protected titles that suggest professional competence in nutrition and dietetics in the Philippines.
Furthermore, we urge the public to be discerning and to seek guidance from qualified, PRC-Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians when it comes to nutrition and dietary advice within the bounds of existing laws, rules and regulations.
As an organization committed to upholding public trust, the PSND stands with the Professional Regulation Commission - Board of Nutrition and Dietetics in protecting the integrity of the profession and the well-being of the Filipino people.
For inquiries or to verify the credentials of a Nutritionist-Dietitian, please contact the Professional Regulation Commission or verify on this link: https://verification.prc.gov.ph/ . Send a report of possible violation to PRC Board of Nutrition and Dietetics prb_nutridiet@prc.gov.ph
Thank you.
# # End # #
