The Chilean Senate Health Committee has approved a bill aimed at regulating the labeling and advertising of ultra-processed foods, in an effort to combat obesity and malnutrition in the country.

The bill, which amends the existing law on the nutritional composition of foods, stipulates that products containing more than five ingredients derived from industrial chemical processes will be considered ultra-processed. This initiative complements the legislation in place since 2016, which already regulates foods high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories.

During the session, Senators Ximena Ordenes, Iván Flores, Francisco Chahuán, and Juan Luis Castro expressed their support for the proposal, recognizing that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is a key factor in the rise of obesity and overweight among the population. Senator Ordenes highlighted that “the consumption of these products is one of the most important determinants of overnutrition.”

Godoy stated that “this bill complements the existing law, which has succeeded in reducing the per capita intake of products high in salt, sugar, and fats by 23%.” The new regulations also prohibit advertising of these products aimed at children under 14, covering all forms of promotion, including digital platforms.