Brazil – Food of plant origin. Report of the virtual workshops to identify the regulatory problem and the affected agents

The workshops were held in October 2021 to analyze the regulatory issue of these foods. This was Anvisa’s first action to obtain data and information in order to identify and analyze the regulatory problem, its causes and consequences, in addition to mapping the affected agents. Representatives of institutions, civil society and the productive sector participated in the meetings.

Although there is still no legal definition, plant-based products include processed foods that are formulated with ingredients of plant origin. They seek a similarity in appearance, texture, flavor and other attributes to traditional animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products.

It is important to note that Anvisa has followed and participated in discussions related to innovations in the food sector. Among the innovations are plant-based products, which have also prompted action by food regulatory authorities in other countries.