The Healthy Eating Movement requested this Thursday, October 17, the National Assembly to approve Bill 57, which proposes the implementation of a nutritional warning front labeling on various products.

In a press conference, members of the group explained that the measure seeks to reduce the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, renal and cardiovascular diseases and cancer, all related to the excessive consumption of processed products high in salt, sugar and fats.

They even indicate that this is shown by statistics. The 2019 Health Census revealed that 13% of children under 5 years of age and 37% of school-age children and adolescents in Panama are overweight.

As part of its commitment to ensure optimal consumer protection, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) is stepping up its market control efforts through an extensive inspection operation to be carried out starting in October. 9 to 12, 2024. This initiative affects supermarkets, warehouses in the capital and surrounding communities, where rigorous controls will be carried out on a wide range of products.

Under the direction of Minister James Monazard, more than a dozen newly sworn-in inspectors will carry out inspections to verify several essential aspects: the price of staple products; the quality and condition of the products offered for sale; the storage and conservation conditions of food products, particularly refrigerated and frozen; the labeling and presentation of products in accordance with the standards in force; the proper functioning of sales facilities, including gas stations, to ensure the accuracy of pumps.