The federal Senate approved Bill (PL) 1769/2019, which establishes the criteria for the production of cocoa derivatives and clarifies the labeling standards for these products. Presented by Senator Zequinha Marinho (PSC-PA), the text establishes that labels, packaging, and advertising materials must inform the percentage of cocoa solids present in each product. This measure increases transparency and facilitates consumer choice.

One of the main points of the proposal is to facilitate the visualization of the cocoa percentage on the packaging. The text states that dark or semisweet chocolate can simply be called chocolate, as long as it contains at least 35% total cocoa solids.

Currently, the minimum required is 25%, according to the regulations of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). The text establishes the minimum requirements for the different types of chocolate:

• Milk chocolate must contain 25% cocoa solids and 14% total milk solids.

• White chocolate must contain at least 20% cocoa butter.

• Sweet chocolate must contain at least 25% cocoa.

• The cocoa powder must contain at least 32% cocoa.

If the product does not meet the minimum percentages, the packaging must clearly indicate names such as chocolate drink mix, fantasy chocolate, or chocolate-flavored compound and coating. In these cases, the project prohibits the use of elements that may mislead the consumer about the nature of the product. Industries will have 360 days to adapt to the new regulations.