Mexico – Ministry of Health withdraws Red 3 dye from food due to health risk

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The Ministry of Health, thru the Agreement published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) on May 28, 2026, nullifies numeral 12, corresponding to “Erythrosine and its lakes, Red 14 Food, Red 3 FD&C,” within Annex III of colorants with an acceptable daily intake. Said annex is part of the agreement on additives and processing aids in food, beverages, and dietary supplements, published in 2012 and modified in 2013 and 2016.

The decision stems from an evaluation conducted by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), the national health authority responsible for reviewing food additives, beverages, and medications. In January 2025, the commission reported that it was analyzing risks related to Red No. 3 FD&C, according to Annex III of colorants with established ADI.

The analysis cited by the Ministry of Health calculated a Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake of 0.231 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. That figure exceeds the limit of 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) for erythrosine.

it eliminated the use of erythrosine and its lakes in food, beverages, and dietary supplements, after the Ministry of Health published an agreement to remove this additive from the permitted list. The measure applies to the dye known as Red 3 FD&C, FD&C Red No. 3, Red 14 Food or E-127, and responds to a risk analysis by Cofepris regarding exposure above the acceptable daily intake (ADI).

DOF – Diario Oficial de la FederaciónDownload

Brazil – Highlights of the 10th Regular Public Meeting of the Board of Directors

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Highlights of the 10th Regular Public Meeting of the Board of Directors

Among the regulations approved by the Board of Directors is the regulatory harmonization with Mercosur standards on personal hygiene products, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Regulatory Instructions

The Board of Directors also approved three periodic Regulatory Instructions (IN) updates related to the components of food and dietary supplements, all under the direction of Director Daniela Marreco.

  • Amendment to IN 367/2025, which deals with the lists of components, usage limits, and authorized declarations for infant formulas, nutritional formulas for high-risk newborns, transitional foods and cereal-based foods for infants and young children, enteral nutrition formulas, and dietary formulas for inborn errors of metabolism.
  • Amendment to IN 211/2023, which establishes the technological functions, maximum limits, and conditions of use for food additives and technological aids authorized for use in food.
  • Amendment to IN 28/2018, which establishes the lists of components, usage limits, declarations, and supplementary labeling for food supplements.

Brazil – The state of Maranhão has enacted a law that prohibits ultra-processed foods in schools

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The Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection (IDEC in Portuguese) celebrates the signing of the decree that regulates Law No. 11,196/2019 of the State of Maranhão, which establishes guidelines to promote healthy eating and restricts the sale and consumption of ultra-processed and sugary foods in the school environment. The Institute actively participated in the various stages of the drafting and regulation process of the law, technically contributing to its implementation over the past few years.

Since the second half of 2024, IDEC has been working jointly with the Interministerial Chamber of Food and Nutritional Security of Maranhão (Caisan-MA), with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), GEPPAAS, and the Ministry of Social Development (MDS in Portuguese), in technical discussions on the regulation of the law, including the mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and sanctioning provided for in the decree.

Brazil – In a Senate debate, experts advocate for the regulation of ultra-processed foods

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At a public hearing held this Tuesday (26) in the Social Affairs Commission (CAS in Portuguese), experts defended the regulation of ultra-processed foods, especially due to the health risks for young people. Industry representatives presented a divergent stance, arguing for a better definition of what is considered “ultra-processed.” According to them, the current description is broad and subjective, which would complicate potential legislation.

Paraguay – DINAVISA publishes annual official list of countries with reference regulatory authorities

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The National Directorate of Health Surveillance (DINAVISA in Spanish) has published Resolution No. 182/2026, thru which the official annual list of countries that meet the standards established in Article 3 of Law No. 7256/2024, corresponding to the 2026 fiscal year, is published. This Resolution confirms the role of DINAVISA as the National Regulatory Authority, responsible for establishing standards, technical regulations, and good practices to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of health products, food, and related items.

RESOLUCION-DINAVISA-N°182-POR-LA-CUAL-SE-EMITE-EL-LISTADO-ANUAL-DE-LOS-PAISES-EN-CUMPLIMIENTO-AL-ARTICULO-3°-DEDownload