The National Government made several significant changes in the packaged food frontal labeling system, already identified by consumers.
Currently, it operates in Argentina through black octagons of warning on the products.
On one hand, there is an aim to reduce certain regulations implemented since 2022 to simplify imports, and, on the other hand, issues regarding advertising.
With Ruling 11362/2024, several articles of the National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Devices (ANMAT) resolution that created the system are eliminated.
## Frontal labeling of food: this is what will change
Ruling 11362/2024 from ANMAT specifically eliminates articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 of ANMAT Ruling No. 2673/22. That is, those that determined the details for the frontal labeling system.
In this line, ANMAT added an extensive manual detailing how the labels will look from now on. In general, what consumers will see when buying food is that the labels will only inform about the added ingredients for the preparation of a food.
That is, how much more sugar, sodium, fats, and calories were added, in addition to those naturally present in that product (as in the case of those made from fruits, which already contain natural sugars, for example).
Products already labeled under the previous regulations will continue to be sold until their stock runs out, and companies, from now on, must comply with the new regulations.
## New regulation for advertising
Several changes related to the advertising and promotion of the affected food products were also introduced.
On Thursday, specific rules for the advertising of packaged foods and beverages with at least one warning label were detailed in the same publication.
As indicated by the previous regulations, some prohibitions are maintained, such as those aimed at children and adolescents, establishing clear definitions for both age groups. “Advertising, promoting, and/or sponsoring packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages specifically aimed at children and adolescents is prohibited,” it specifies.
Aspects such as the objective presentation of the product, the mandatory inclusion of warning labels, and the prohibition of elements like children’s characters or deceptive promotions are also regulated.
## What is the frontal labeling about
In October 2021, the Frontal Labeling Law was passed, also known as Law 27.642 on Promotion of Healthy Eating.
It determined that packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages marketed with critical nutrients and energy values exceeding those set in that law must include certain seals on the main face.
This is as a warning for each critical nutrient in excess, as appropriate. “Excess sugar,” “Excess sodium,” “Excess saturated fats,” “Excess total fats,” and finally, “Excess calories.”
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