Mexico – Reform to the General Health Law to regulate trans fats in foods

21/02/2023 / infoAlimentario

The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved the amendment to the General Health Law that eliminates the use of trans fats in food and alcoholic beverages.

With 472 votes in favor, the opinion to the bill that adds Article 216 Bis establishes that “edible oils and fats, as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages, may not contain in their presentation for sale to the public partially hydrogenated oils, known as trans fats, that have been added during their industrial elaboration process”.

The ruling, which was sent to the Federal Executive for its constitutional effects, adds that the Ministry of Health will establish the regulation bases for these industrially produced trans fats.

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

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Panama – Food labeling in Panama: a forgotten issue in the National Assembly

21/02/2023 / infoAlimentario

While 3.5 million Panamanians, out of a population of 4.4 million, are overweight and one in five is obese, according to official figures, the issue of front labeling of processed foods, in order to know their nutrients, is not even being discussed in the National Assembly.
Yaidelis González, alternate deputy and proponent of the “front labeling of nutritional warning” bill, said that it is in a legislative subcommittee, “which has only met once”.

“Unfortunately, it has not been a priority of the commission to discuss” the bill, she acknowledged.

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

Article – Digital marketing of commercial breastmilk substitutes and baby foods: strategies, and recommendations for its regulation in Mexico

21/02/2023 / infoAlimentario

Parents are exposed to breastmilk substitutes and baby foods marketing on the internet and social media, which hinders adequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding. This study identifies digital marketing strategies for breastmilk substitutes, specifically commercial milk formula and baby foods used by the industry to influence infant and young children’s feeding practices in Mexico and proposes regulatory recommendations that can be useful for similar countries.

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Article/Brazil – Updates on food nutrition labeling

21/02/2023 / infoAlimentario

Food labels are fundamental elements of communication between companies that produce food and consumers, so it is important that the information on these labels is expressed in a simple and easy to understand way. Considering that a label presents more clarity and legibility in the nutritional information of food products, RDC nº 429 and Normative Instruction nº 75 were established on October 8, 2020. In the new regulatory norms, among the labeling modifications are included, the use of frontal nutrition labeling on the packages, providing information about the nutrients that are considered relevant to the health of the consumer and the nutritional table that must present the information about certain nutrients. These changes in the nutrition label help consumers to make more appropriate and healthy food choices.

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Paraguay – Modification of Resolution GMC Nº 40/15 “MERCOSUR Technical Regulation on cellulosic materials, containers and equipment intended to be in contact with food”

27/01/2023 / infoAlimentario

The National Institute of Food and Nutrition (INAN in Spanish) publishes for public consultation the draft amendment to Resolution GMC No. 40/15 “MERCOSUR Technical Regulations on cellulosic materials, packaging and equipment intended to be in contact with food”.

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

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