The National Institute for Food Safety has published draft Food Law of Suriname was submitted to the National Assembly on 6 March 2026 for parliamentary consideration. The proposed legislation aims to establish a modern legal framework for the safety and quality of food produced, imported, and marketed in Suriname he current food legislation dates back to 1911 and no longer fully reflects the realities of modern food production, trade, and consumer protection. The proposed Food Law introduces a comprehensive framework for the entire food chain, including the registration and recognition of food businesses, strengthened oversight and inspection, and the possibility to recall unsafe food products from the market.
The law also strengthens the role of the Nationaal Instituut voor Voedselveiligheid Suriname as the national authority responsible for food safety oversight.
Brazil – ANVISA announces new publication on Health Regulation of Food Supplements
The General Directorate of Food Management (GGALI in Portuguese) under the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese) has published a manual “Sanitary Regulation of Food Supplements.” This material is part of the training itinerary on the Sanitary Regulation of Food Supplements and systematically and progressively compiles the content developed throughout the six modules of the course. The material was designed to facilitate technical understanding and practical application of the current regulatory framework, considering the responsibilities of the regulated sector and the National Health Surveillance System. It addresses the fundamentals that define what dietary supplements are and who they are intended for, the registration and electronic notification procedures, the composition criteria, and the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of their components, as well as the applicable regulations for general and nutritional labeling. The content articulates normative concepts, regulatory flows, and practical examples, allowing the reader to understand not only what the legislation requires but also why these requirements exist and how they should be implemented in daily professional practice.
Ecuador – ARCSA proposes a project for an external guideline for the certification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for processed foods
The National Agency for Regulation, Control, and Sanitary Surveillance (ARCSA in Spanish) has published a draft of the External Instruction Manual for Good Manufacturing Practices Certification – Processed Foods with the aim of establishing the necessary requirements and technical guidelines for certification in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food processing plants, both national and foreign.
Colombia – Ministry of Health updates mandatory fortification requirements for white or milled rice, corn flour, and wheat flour
The Ministry of Health and Social Development (MSDS in Spanish) has published Decree No. 0380/2026, which establishes the technical requirements for the mandatory fortification of white or milled rice, corn flour, and wheat flour that are produced, imported, and marketed within the national territory.
The requirements contained in the technical regulation apply throughout the national territory to:
- White rice or milled rice, either domestically produced or imported.
- Corn flour and wheat flour, whether domestically produced or imported, that are marketed within the national territory, intended for both home consumption and for the preparation and/or manufacturing of flour derivatives.
The Decree takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Decree 1944 of 1996 will remain in effect during the transition period of twenty-four (24) months established in Article 19 of this administrative act.
Brazil – Senate Committee debates the negative impact of consuming ultra-processed foods on public health
The permanent committees of the Senate are debating and voting this week on various topics. Among the most notable topics are the hearings on the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The debate seeks to evaluate the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on public health, especially among young people. The objective is to analyze public policies and educational actions to reduce this consumption and promote natural foods and a better quality of life.
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