Author: infoAlimentario

Brazil – Anvisa conducts user tests on new forms of food and packaging regulation

/ infoAlimentario

National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Spanish) has introduced new electronic forms to register and notify food and packaging to users. The forms will be implemented from September 1st of this year, when the new regulatory framework for the food sector comes into force (RDC 843/2024).

The test event with external users took place on July 18, at the Agency headquarters, where the forms and internal tests were developed. The objective was to validate the functionality of the system and obtain feedback from participants to make final adjustments.

In the tests, 13 participants from companies participated, designated by sectoral associations directly involved in the regulatory process. Users have access to the production environment of the system Request and simulate the filling of information, with technical support from the project development team.

The meeting played an essential role in identifying the difficulties faced by users and verifying the functioning of the system. Participants evaluated the moment as very relevant and productive, considering the use of the intuitive and simple system, according to expectations. All the flow behaved as expected, without critical errors that could compromise the start of use of the new forms, scheduled for September 1st.

Difficulties to complete it and suggestions for improvement will be recorded, which will be carefully analyzed regarding the feasibility of its implementation. Furthermore, questions reported by participants will be used to improve the system manual, which will be available on the Anvisa portal, with the objective of providing the best user experience to all users.

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

Uruguay – According to importers, digital front labeling of food will increase the final price of consumer products

/ infoAlimentario

A bill, approved last April by the Chamber of Deputies, establishes that all manufacturers, fractionators or importers must include digital front labeling on the packaging or label of their products.

This digital labeling must contain “sufficiently precise information” that allows the consumer to access it through an online query, for example, by reading a code through any mobile device.

Among the basic required data that must be included are: the manufacturer, the fractionator, the manufacturer, the fractionator, the importer, and the authorizations and warnings. These must match those printed on the physical label of the product, “in compliance with the current regulations for its commercialization in the national territory.”

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

Panama – Draft Bill Presented to Establish Front-of-Pack Labeling and Nutritional Warnings

/ infoAlimentario

The draft law presented by the deputy of the Movimiento Otro Camino (MOCA in Spanish), José Pérez Barboni, which seeks to establish “front labeling and nutritional warning” on ultra-processed products so that consumers are aware of the excess sugars, sodium, fats and calories is questioned by consumers and businessmen who indicate that this will increase the cost of the products.

Ángel Pérez, former president of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE), Azuero Chapter, said that “front labeling does not harm the seller, it affects the entire industry. The products that have to be replaced increase in price, they no longer produce it, they change it for a more expensive one, it affects the pocket of the final consumer. The solution is food education.”

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

Panama – Congress will discuss a law to label foods with excess fat, sodium and sugar

/ infoAlimentario

A law to promote preventive health and informed consumption of ultra-processed products is the main objective of the draft bill on ”Front Labeling of Nutritional Warnings” presented by Deputy José Pérez Barboni, of the Movimiento Otro Camino (Moca), to the plenary of the National Assembly on July 25.

This regulation would allow consumers to be informed about products with excess fats, sugars, sodium and other components that may be harmful to health. The labeling would be printed on the product in the form of a black octagon with a border and white capital letters that the consumer can easily identify.

If approved, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) would be the governing body that would regulate the technical and nutritional parameters for product labeling. The law explains that for foods containing an excess of critical nutrients, the Minsa must ensure that the octagon has the word ‘Excess’, while for those containing sweeteners or stimulants, the word ‘Contains’ must be placed.

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish

Dominican Republic – Congressmen approve law that prohibits the sale of soft drinks and processed food in school cafeterias

/ infoAlimentario

The Chamber of Deputies approved this Wednesday in second reading a school food and nutrition bill which, among other aspects, prohibits the sale of soft drinks and processed foods in school cafeterias.

The bill is authored by Deputy Nelsa Soraya Suárez and establishes that cafeterias will be prohibited from promoting, dispensing or selling ultra-processed products, with high sugar or sodium content, as well as sugary drinks “that are not healthy for children”.

For further information, you can access the original source in Spanish