Day: 03/09/2025

Panama – Defensor suggests that the labeling of imitation food products be regulated by law

/ infoAlimentario

In order to protect and ensure consumers’ right to health, the Ombudsman, Eduardo Leblanc González, suggests that the naming and labeling of imitation food products be regulated by law, in accordance with international standards.

The presentation made before the Commission on Labor, Health, and Social Development of the National Assembly emphasizes that, in the case of dairy products, the term “milk” should be reserved exclusively for those derived from animals, and that beverages made from plants should be labeled as such; it is also proposed that all imitation foods carry clear labeling indicating this; furthermore, penalties and administrative measures should be imposed for non-compliance with the correct naming.

Brazil – ANVISA in Portuguese has published the preparatory documents for the virtual sector dialogue regarding the review of the general MERCOSUR food labeling regulations

/ infoAlimentario

The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese) has released preparatory documents for the virtual sector dialogue regarding the review of the general food labeling regulations. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, via Microsoft Teams.

The sector dialogue will focus on presenting the key changes agreed upon within the Mercosur framework for the general labeling of packaged foods, as well as addressing any questions that may qualify participation in the public consultation phase.

A spreadsheet containing the commented proposal for public consultation, which includes:

  • A comparison of the provisions of RDC 727/2022 with those of the Mercosur Resolution Project on general labeling.
  • A proposal for the revision of RDC 727/2022.
  • Additional clarifications regarding the proposed changes.
  • A public consultation project, containing the complete text of the regulatory proposal that will be submitted for deliberation by the Collegiate Council.

MinutadeCPdarevisodoregulamentoderotulagemgeraldealimentosDownload

Jamaica – BSJ Request Comments on Draft Jamaican Standard Condensed Molasses Solubles of Sugar Cane Origin

/ infoAlimentario

The Jamaican Bureau of Standards issued Notice DJS 375:2025, proposing a revision to the standard for Concentrated Molasses Solubles (CMS) derived from sugarcane.

DJS 375_2025 Condensed Molasses Solubles of Sugar Cane OriginDownload

Brazil – STF holds a public hearing on the advertising and promotion of foods deemed harmful to health

/ infoAlimentario

The Supreme Federal Court (STF in Portuguese) has held a public hearing regarding the advertising rules for foods and medicines deemed harmful to health. This discussion is part of the Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) No. 7788 filed by the Brazilian Association of Broadcasters and Television (ABERT in Portuguese) against the regulations set by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese) that govern the advertising of foods and medicines. The organization claims that the resolutions impose restrictions that should only be established by federal law. It also argues that the measures are excessive and harmful to economic freedom.

The procedure will take place in the session room of the First Chamber of the STF, with live broadcasts on TV Justice, Radio Justice, and the STF’s YouTube channel. Public participation as an audience member is open without prior registration and is subject to capacity limits.

The presiding judge approved the participation of 33 speakers, including representatives from the parties involved in the action, as well as organizations and entities addressing the issue. Each speaker will have 10 minutes to present. The presentations are divided into three sections. Discussion in progress.

Argentina – INAL denies the company’s request to disregard the requirements regarding nutritional warning octagons on its gluten-free products

/ infoAlimentario

The company Molinos Río de la Plata S.A. attempted to halt the implementation of front labeling on its gluten-free products, but the Government denied the request. Through Decree 604/2025, published this Monday in the Official Gazette, the Executive rejected the claim made by the company against Decree 151/2022, which regulates the Law on the Promotion of Healthy Eating (No. 27.642).

Molinos had requested to be exempt from placing warning labels on its gluten-free foods, arguing that this could confuse the celiac population.

The claim was assessed by the National Institute of Foods (INAL in Spanish) and National Food, Drug, and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT in Spanish), which were unequivocal in their response: “There are no technical justifications to exempt gluten-free products from front labeling,” stated the official report, adding that doing so would “violate the consumers’ right to have clear and truthful nutritional information.”

Molinos’ claim was entirely dismissed, and the decree clearly indicates that the administrative route has been exhausted; therefore, if the company wishes to pursue the matter further, it must turn to the judiciary.

documentDownload