Article – Brazil: Evaluation of the labeling and nutritional profile of processed foods intended for children

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The offer of processed foods, especially the ultra-processed, is not recommended in the first years of life, since the consumption of these foods is associated with anemia, overweight and food allergies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compliance of labels of processed foods intended for children with the Brazilian legislation in force and to analyze the levels of sodium, free sugars, sweeteners and total, saturated and trans fats described on the label. The nutrients were evaluated based on the PAHO Nutritional Profile Model. The results of the evaluation showed that the labels showed some non-compliance with the standards required by current legislation on food labeling.

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

Article – USA: Regulating the Food Industry: An Aspirational Agenda

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The coronavirus pandemic reveals an urgent need: the marketing of ultra-processed “junk” food must be stopped. Until now, the food industry has gotten away with pushing consumption of high-calorie, highly processed products—as often and in as many places as possible, and in increasingly large amounts—all in the name of profit In this business-first food environment, obesity and its associated type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and, these days, severe outcomes from COVID-19, are collateral damage. Because poor health more strongly affects the most vulnerable members of society, public health advocates ought to be demanding immediate, forceful government action to discourage food industry production and marketing of unhealthful products.

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

Brazil: Public Consultation – Proposal for a Mercosur Technical Regulation on the use of starch in very high moisture cheeses

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Brazil published in the Official Gazette SDA Regulation No. 577, the technical regulation draft on the starch addition to cheese.

The main content of the draft regulation is: it is proposed to allow starch and modified starch to be used as raw materials in cheese with water content greater than or equal to 55g/100g, and the maximum amount of final product is 1% (mass fraction). The regulation, which applies to domestic and imported Brazilian products, will be open for comment for 60 days.

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

Brazil: Public Consultation – Proposal for a Mercosur Technical Regulation on Identity and Quality of UHT Milk

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The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture issued Regulation No. 576, proposing to establish characteristics and quality standards for UHT (Ultra-high Temperature) sterilized milk. The feedback period is 60 days. The main contents are as follows:

(1) Determined the characteristics and minimum quality characteristics that UHT sterilized milk must conform to;

(2) UHT sterilized milk means milk homogenized and packaged under aseptic conditions after heat treatment at 135℃ for 10 seconds, or up to 150℃ for 2 seconds, or equivalent combination of temperature and time.

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

Brazil: Anvisa Webinar on products containing whole grains

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The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) will hold, on Thursday (06/09), from 10 am, a webinar to present the health requirements for products containing whole grains, in accordance with the Resolution of the Collegiate Council (RDC) 493/2021.

Published in 2021, the standard came into force in April this year and brought adaptation deadlines for the food sector to organize and comply with the regulation. Click here for more information on the topic.

During the webinar, participants will be able to clarify doubts on the subject. To attend the webinar, simply click on the link below on the scheduled day and time. No prior registration is required.

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