The Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection (IDEC in Portuguese) celebrates the signing of the decree that regulates Law No. 11,196/2019 of the State of Maranhão, which establishes guidelines to promote healthy eating and restricts the sale and consumption of ultra-processed and sugary foods in the school environment. The Institute actively participated in the various stages of the drafting and regulation process of the law, technically contributing to its implementation over the past few years.

Since the second half of 2024, IDEC has been working jointly with the Interministerial Chamber of Food and Nutritional Security of Maranhão (Caisan-MA), with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), GEPPAAS, and the Ministry of Social Development (MDS in Portuguese), in technical discussions on the regulation of the law, including the mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and sanctioning provided for in the decree.

At a public hearing held this Tuesday (26) in the Social Affairs Commission (CAS in Portuguese), experts defended the regulation of ultra-processed foods, especially due to the health risks for young people. Industry representatives presented a divergent stance, arguing for a better definition of what is considered “ultra-processed.” According to them, the current description is broad and subjective, which would complicate potential legislation.