This study investigated the presence of front-of-package labeling on food products in major retailers in Brazil after its implementation in 2022. Carried out from May to October 2023, we analyzed 2145 products of brands present in five Brazilian states. A total of 541 products presented front-of-package warnings. The categories varied in their adherence to front-of-package labeling, highlighting a prevalence of combined warnings, such as high in added sugar and high in saturated fat on sweet biscuits and chocolates. Sausages showed a high prevalence of high in sodium and high in saturated fat warnings. Beverages stood out as high in added sugar, while fats, dairy products, frozen preparations, seasonings, and sauces presented diversity in the warnings. Other products, such as panettone, showed a high presence of alerts. The study demonstrated the widespread presence of front-of-package labeling on ultra-processed products highly consumed by the Brazilian population. Considering the alarming presence of these foods in the Brazilian diet, it is concluded that front-of-package nutrition labeling is crucial to inform and raise awareness among consumers, allowing healthier choices and potentially contributing to a reduction in chronic diseases and the costs associated with treatment in the health system.
Month: February 2024
El Salvador – RTS 67.06.02:22 Foods for special diets, nutritional supplements and probiotics. Classification, characteristics, sanitary registration requirements and labeling
The Regulatory Improvement Agency (OMR in Spanish) has issued a favorable EIR opinion to the proposal “Reglamento Técnico Salvadoreño RTS 67.06.02:22 Alimentos para regímenes especiales, suplementos nutricionales y probióticos. Classification, characteristics, sanitary registration requirements and labeling”.
This regulation will enter into force in December 2024.
Paraguay – Draft resolution – Technical Regulations Composition and Labeling Gluten-free packaged foods
The National Institute of Food and Nutrition (INAN in Spanish) has published the draft Resolution – Technical Regulation Composition and Labeling of Gluten-Free Packaged Foods.
The objective of the regulation is to establish the criteria to be met by foods packaged in the absence of the consumer, whether domestically produced or imported, which are marketed identified as “gluten-free” or “gluten-free” or “gluten-free” or “Does not contain gluten” or “Without TACC” or “Without T.A.C.C.”; and, the control measures aimed at ensuring that the consumer has accurate, clear and truthful information on the absence of gluten in the composition of packaged foods.
Brazil – Update project on food additives and technological aids authorized for use in foods
The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese ) has published a draft Resolution that establishes the technological functions, maximum limits and conditions of use of food additives and technological aids authorized for use in foods.
Mexico – Alcoholic beverage labeling guide
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS in Spanish) has published the Guide for the labeling of alcoholic beverages. The purpose of this guide is to inform manufacturers, marketers, consumers, importers and distributors about the elements that an alcoholic beverage label must contain in accordance with the applicable health legislation in force, so that these products can be marketed and consumed without posing a health risk to the population.
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