In Central America, the prevalence of overweight and obesity continue to rise, contributing to the double burden of malnutrition, which encompasses both micronutrient deficiency and excess weight. This phenomenon is attributed to changes in dietary patterns, driven by the growth of consumption of ultra processed foods, regardless of economic income. Nutritional labeling emerges as a useful element for consumers, allowing them to make informed decisions about their diet and prevent diseases related to it. However, understanding nutritional labeling remains a challenge, especially in Central America, where education levels are low. The information on labels can be complex and difficult to interpret for many. This article advocates for mandatory nutritional labeling on packaged products and beverages in Central American countries, supported by available scientific evidence on the nutritional situation and consumption of ultra-processed foods. Recommendations are proposed for its implementation, monitoring and evaluation, mainly highlighting the transition to front labeling to facilitate consumer decision-making, promoting the right to health and the choice of healthy foods, in a society that is more aware and informed about its health, food and nutrition.
Day: 27/11/2024
Brazil – ANVISA issues guidance on health claims for nutrients with fully recognized functions in packaged food labeling
The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese) published a Technical Note (in Portuguese) describing the guidelines on the use of functional property claims for nutrients with fully recognized functions in foods, in light of the gaps identified in the current regulations, the recurrent questions received by the General Food Management (GGALI) and the need to provide guidelines to carry out food sanitary control actions, especially in light of the recent changes in the regulatory framework for the regularization of food under the jurisdiction of the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS in Portuguese).
Paraguay – INAN transfers regulatory powers over food to DINAVISA
The Minister of Health, Dr. María Teresa Barán, led a meeting today at the headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Nutrition (INAN in Spanish), together with the acting director of the National Directorate of Health Surveillance (DINAVISA in Spanish), Ms. Jorge Illou, to plan actions aimed at complying with Law No. 7.361/24, which consolidates health surveillance and food control in a single entity.
During the meeting, Minister Barán emphasized that this transition seeks to strengthen the public health response without affecting the stability of the personnel. “We want this change not to be a problem, but an opportunity. INAN will continue to fulfill its function within the Ministry of Health, while Dinavisa will take over the regulatory responsibility,” said the Minister, noting that food programs will remain under ministerial control.
For his part, the director of DINAVISA, Jorge Illou, stressed the importance of a unified system that responds to the growing demands of food quality and safety. “With this change, we seek to align ourselves with international models and offer better training and stability for regulatory personnel,” he said.
Belize – BBS proposes that Belize 1: Part 3:2024 (Revised) Specification for Labelling Part 3: Labelling of Prepackaged Foods be declared a mandatory Standard
The Belize Bureau of Standards proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the following draft standard – Belize 1: Part 3:2024 (Revised) Specification for Labelling Part 3: Labelling of Prepackaged Foods declared a compulsory Standard.
The standard for prepackaged foods has been revised to align with current labelling trends and in an effort to prevent fraud and deception arising from misleading labelling, as well as to provide adequate information to the consumer or user of prepackaged foods. Changes include language requirements to recognize product labels in Spanish; addition of nutritional facts declaration as a core requirement; and emphasis on allergen labelling. It is intended that all manufacturers, importers, distributors and other entities engaged in the production and or trade of pre-packaged foods in Belize shall comply with the requirements of this standard. Furthermore, it is expected that this standard will assist Belizean producers in meeting the labelling requirements of regional and extra-regional markets.
Argentina – Milei’s government and the Republican Proposal party join forces to eliminate Front Food Labeling
The Law for the Promotion of Healthy Food, known as the Front Labeling Law, is under scrutiny by the government of Javier Milei. According to reports, modifications ranging from reducing the size of the black octagons on food packages to the complete repeal of the law, enacted in 2022 during Alberto Fernández’s term of office, are being analyzed.
The law, which seeks to warn about the excess of sugars, fats and sodium in ultra-processed products, has generated resistance since its implementation, especially among small and medium-sized companies, due to the additional costs of adaptation. Alejandro Bongiovani, deputy of the Republican Proposal Party (PRO in Spanish), described the law as “a case of excessive state interventionism” which, according to him, affects both companies and consumers.
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