Month: September 2023

Argentina – New requirements on Sanitary Authorization of food contact packaging and utensils

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The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and Secretariat of Health Quality has published Joint Resolution 22/2023 to include Article 1416 fifth to the Argentine Food Code: “Article 1416 fifth: The competent Health Authorities shall apply the provisions contained in the Annex which, registered under No. IF-2020-82641217-APN-DLEIAER#ANMAT, is part of this article for the sanitary authorization of food containers and utensils in contact with food.”

A period of 1 year will be granted for the adequacy.

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

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Argentina – The 151st Meeting of the National Food Commission was held with emphasis on hemp, gluten-free food and labeling of alcoholic beverages

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On September 7, the first working day of the 151st Meeting of the National Food Commission (CONAL) was held. The Secretary of Health Quality, Alejandro Collia, who opened the meeting, highlighted the federal work of the commission and urged to continue seeking consensus in order to reach the necessary agreements for food safety.

The topics discussed at the meeting were:

  • Incorporation of hemp seed and derivatives (seed oil and flour) to the regulatory framework and the incorporation of CBD in food will continue to be discussed in future meetings.
  • Modification of the definition of Gluten-Free Foods and its distinctive symbol, which promotes expanding the range of foods available to the celiac population.
  • Publication in public consultation of a project of the Ministry of Health based on the labeling of alcoholic beverages, which includes the replacement of the pictogram on alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding, accompanied by a warning phrase, as well as the mandatory placement of the legend “IF YOU ARE GOING TO DRIVE, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL”.

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

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Article – Regulatory policies for sugar consumption and junk food in 3 Latin American countries

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Abstract: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy foods is a public health problem that has become a regulatory issue for the public policies aimed at reducing the impact of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Latin America.

Objective: To identify the Public Policies in Colombia, Argentina and Chile for the regulation of the consumption of sugar and junk food. Materials and methods. Exploratory analysis through a literature and policy documents review.

Results: In 2021, Colombia approved the Law 2120 called “Junk Food Law” promoting public access to information for a healthy food environment to prevent NCDs. It includes food labeling for overweight and obesity prevention and establishes a specific labeling regulation for processed and ultra-processed food and sweet drink products. Chile was pioneer in the development of warning stamps on food packages and since 2014 also taxes sweet non-alcoholic beverages. In 2021, Argentina approved a law to add labels on food packages to alert consumers about excess of sugars, fats and sodium.

Conclusions: The three investigated countries have labeling policies for processed food, and Chile puts taxes on sugary drinks. It is important to study the impact of these policies on NCD prevalence, severity and on dental caries.

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

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Article/Brazil – Nutrition: transparency on labels and consumer information

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The Ministry of Health launched the Food Guide for the Population in 2014, which defined ultra-processed foods as ready-to-eat products made primarily from synthetic substances. In addition to the harm of overconsumption, food labels are difficult to understand and influence food choices. It is necessary to make the population aware of healthy choices to promote public health, considering the increase in chronic degenerative diseases due to changes in eating patterns and a sedentary lifestyle. The document presents an essential literary basis, based on a qualitative and investigative perspective. The consulted references are accessible on both national and international platforms, and can be found in languages such as Portuguese and English. The purpose of this article is to address the importance of transparency in nutrition labels and provide relevant information to consumers. Although food labeling helps in choosing healthy foods, there is a lack of understanding. Legal norms should establish hygienic-sanitary standards, considering the low level of understanding and reliability on the labels. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health highlights the importance of clear labeling and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) is responsible for regulation. New rules were announced in 2022, aimed at improving the legibility of labels and including information such as total and added sugars. Other countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, have also implemented nutrition labeling regulations. In the United States, the use of the Nutrition Facts Label (NFL) has been mandatory since 1990, and revised rules were released in 2016 to make information clearer.

For further information, you can access the original source in Portuguese

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Bolivia – SENASAG publishes the Regulation for the Registration of Transport Vehicles and Issuance of Interdepartmental Transport Guide for Milk and Milk Products and By-products”

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The Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria e Inocuidad Alimentaria (SENASAGen Spanish acronym) has published Resolution RA_0208_2023 on Regulations for the Registration of Transport Vehicles and Issuance of Interdepartmental Transport Guide for Milk Products and Byproducts and Derivatives.
This Administrative Resolution will be of mandatory application mandatory, in all the National territory and will be applicable to all natural and juridical persons, whether public or private, with or without or private, with or without profit purposes, that have interests or develop their main or secondary activities in the field of milk secondary activities in the field of agricultural health and food safety.

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