labeling

Argentina – CONAL publishes several draft amendments to the Food Code related to alcoholic beverages, enzymes and labelling of foods and food supplements

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The National Food Commission (CONAL in Spanish) has announced a series of draft amendments to the Argentine Food Code, specifically on the following topics:

  • Incorporation of dehydrated grape pomace.
  • Incorporation of dried apple pomace
  • Incorporation of partially dealcoholized and dealcoholized wine.
  • Incorporation of new enzymes for food use, Inc. of incorporation of microbiological criteria in article 1192.
  • Incorporation of glazing additives and anti-humectants / anti-caking agents in fruits.
  • Modification of Articles 1381 and 235.

Costa Rica – Labeling, responsible and sustainable food consumption: Consumer perception in Costa Rica

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Over the last few decades, there has been growing interest on the part of consumers in sustainable agri-food products. As a result, voluntary standards have emerged as a tool to promote sustainability in production and consumption in agri-food value chains. Objective. To evaluate the profile of consumers and the degree of knowledge of sustainability seals for agricultural products in Costa Rican markets. Materials and methods. During October and November 2021, a nationwide virtual survey was conducted through the Qualtrics platform, from which 397 valid responses were collected. The sustainability seals considered were certifications of organic production, fair trade, denomination of origin, country-essential Costa Rica brand and carbon neutral. The Poisson regression model (PRM) was used to study the behavior of the variables, using Stata software version 16.0. Results. The Essential Costa Rica seal is the most recognized. People residing in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are more familiar with various seals. The income variable turned out to be a significant factor; those with higher incomes tend to identify and value sustainability seals more. The level of knowledge and consumption of certified products increases when the consumer has some link to the agricultural sector. Conclusions. People’s interest in certified products is not reflected in their purchasing behavior, due in part to the price of the products, lack of trust or excessive information on labels. The findings of the study allow companies to define their marketing strategies according to the characteristics of the consumers of these differentiated products.

57900-Article Text-285263-1-10-20240923Download

Colombia – Provisional suspension of Resolution 810/21, on food labeling for human consumption, is denied

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The elements of articles 16, 25 and 32 of Resolution 810 of 2021, which establishes the technical regulation on the nutritional and front labeling requirements that must be met by packaged foods for human consumption, lost enforceability and are not producing effects, according to the amendments made by Resolution 2492 of 2022, so the provisional suspension of these provisions is not appropriate.

The Council of State specified that the measure does not proceed with respect to article 33 of the challenged resolution because the request does not comply with the requirements of articles 229 and 231 of the CPACA, which require that it must be duly supported by the legal reasons that lead to its decree, that is, because it does not state its confrontation with specific rules of the legal system that are alleged to have been violated or with the evidence provided.

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

Mexico – Profeco publishes study on compliance with labeling regulations for several brands of non-alcoholic beers

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The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO in Spanish) published a new analysis of products, in this case focused on non-alcoholic beers, and found that some of them do not comply with the measures established by the country’s law, so they must be withdrawn from the Mexican market.

Although this new Quality Study will be published in the September Consumer Magazine, its owner, David Aguilar Romero, gave a preview of what they found after studying 19 beverages, 12 of which are considered zero alcohol beers.

Peru – Legislative Proposal: Minimum 50% Fruit Pulp for Beverages with Fruit Images

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A bill introduced by Congressman José Luna (Podemos Perú) proposes that beverages that use the image of a fruit in their labeling, advertising or commercial presentation must contain at least 50% pulp of that fruit.
Bill No. 8543/2024-CR seeks to protect the health and rights of consumers by ensuring that information on beverage labels and advertising is truthful and accurate.
In his explanatory statement, Congressman Luna Galvez points out that beverage advertising in the Peruvian market often uses images of fruits to attract consumers, generating a perception of freshness and health in the products. He adds that this marketing strategy relies on the positive association consumers have with fruits, seeing them as synonymous with nutrition and wellness.
This suggests that the product contains fresh and natural ingredients, which influences the purchasing decision of consumers looking for healthier options. However, it warns that this practice can be misleading, as many of these beverages contain minimal amounts of fruit pulp or, in some cases, only artificial flavors with no actual fruit content promoted.

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

PL0854320240805Download