Argentina – ANMAT bans the distribution and marketing of a series of dietary supplements

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The National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT in Spanish) prohibited the manufacture and marketing of a number of products, through its publication in the Official Gazette (Provision 5884/2024).

The products that were restricted are: “Magnesium Citrate”; “Potassium Citrate”; “Natural Ginger”; “Analgesic Black Nettle”; “Yacon Diabetes”; “Memorex Cerebral”; “Maca Forte Multivitamin”; “Higazan Plus”; “Hydrolyzed Collagen”; “Biotin Hair and Nails”; “Magnesium Chloride”; “Chupa Panza Fat Burner”; “Stem Cells Premature Aging Hyaluronic Acid/Folic Acid”; “Zinc Magnesium Calcium +D Hydrolyzed Collagen Shark Cartilage” and “Biotin Hydrolyzed Collagen” all from the brand “Natural Medix”.

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Brazil – The draft tax reform regulations contemplate including taxes on ultra-processed food and beverages

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The tax reform is being regulated in Congress and there are proposals for surcharges on processed foods and beverages, including the selective tax. The tax is intended to discourage the consumption of products considered “harmful to health and the environment”. According to the current draft regulations, the tax covers the following products and services: sugared beverages, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and tobacco products, vehicles, and extraction of mineral goods and petroleum.

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

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Argentina – Labeling law: What is the situation two years after its implementation?

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Only 28% of the people surveyed responded that they know a lot or a fair amount about the Healthy Food Promotion Act, better known as front labeling. The data is derived from research conducted by ShopApp until June 2023. This figure contrasts with the 67% of respondents who said they agreed with this measure.

With the aim of raising awareness and helping the population to understand the seals currently displayed on foods, the Argentine Federation of Cardiology (FAC in Spanish) analyzes each of these insignia and their effect on cardiovascular health.

At present, as regulated by law, food manufacturers are obliged to declare up to five categories of excesses and two warnings. Each of them has a reference value following the recommendations of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). “As a scientific organization, we have a responsibility to help the population understand the meaning of these values on packaging. The correct understanding of these warnings brings both therapeutic and preventive benefits,” says Dr. José María Silveyra (MN 118085), cardiologist; president of the Obesity and Diabetes Committee of the Argentine Federation of Cardiology (FAC).

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

Brazil – IDEC invites consumers to read the fine print on food and beverage labels

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Campaign developed by Moringa agency focuses attention on ingredients that indicate whether a product is ultra-processed or not

The Consumer Protection Institute (Idec) takes another step in raising awareness among the population about the consumption of ultra-processed products. In the new campaign created by the agency Moringa, Idec calls on consumers to read the fine print on food product labels and pay attention to ingredients such as colorings, flavorings and sweeteners (popularly known as sweeteners). The presence of these food additives indicates that the product is ultra-processed and its consumption can be harmful to health.

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Brazil – Anvisa publishes second version of guide for determining food expiration dates

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The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese) made available, this Wednesday (7/03), a new comprehensive guide to guide the determination of expiration dates of foods sold in Brazil. This document, which comes into force immediately, aims to improve food safety standards and was developed based on recognized international references.

The guide establishes guidelines based on best regulatory practices, including contributions from authorities in Australia, New Zealand and the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA). It also incorporates preservation technologies recommended by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

This second version of the guide was carefully revised to update terminology, improve methodologies and incorporate comments from society and experts received during the first public consultation period.

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