New Regulations for the Sanitary Control of Food and Beverages

• Processed and unprocessed foods: Covering everything from fresh agricultural products to ultra-processed foods, including meats, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, fats, and oils, among others.
• Beverages: Includes bottled water, soft drinks, juices, nectars, alcoholic beverages, and other drinks for human consumption.
• Food additives: Regulates the use of additives to preserve, color, or enhance food characteristics.
• Raw materials: Sets requirements for raw materials used in food production, such as ingredients, packaging, and materials in contact with food.
• Nutritional supplements: Includes vitamins, minerals, and other products intended to supplement the diet.
• Foods for special uses: Regulates foods for infants, young children, people with special dietary needs (such as diabetics, celiacs, or those with allergies), and athletes.
• Establishments: Applies to a wide variety of establishments, including:
• Food industries: Food factories, processing plants, etc.
• Commercial outlets: Supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, etc.
• Food services: Industrial cafeterias, catering services, etc.
• Food transportation: Vehicles designated for food transport.
• Food storage: Warehouses, cold storage facilities, etc.

Key Aspects of the Regulations

In addition to its broad scope, these regulations introduce significant innovations in food safety, such as:

• Higher hygiene and sanitation requirements: More rigorous standards are set for the cleaning and disinfection of facilities, equipment, and utensils used in food handling.
• Greater control over ingredients and additives: Ingredients used in food production are regulated, limiting the use of potentially hazardous substances and setting maximum limits for certain contaminants.
• New provisions on labeling and advertising: Clear and truthful labeling is required, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.
• Food traceability systems: Systems are implemented to trace the history of a food item from its origin to the final consumer, facilitating the identification of potential contamination and product recalls.
• Strengthening border controls: More stringent control measures are established for imported foods, ensuring they meet the country’s sanitary requirements.

Benefits of the New Regulations

The implementation of these new regulations brings multiple benefits to society, including:

• Greater public health protection: Reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Increased consumer confidence: Ensures the quality and safety of products.
• Improvement of the food sector’s image: Demonstrates a commitment to food safety.
• Facilitation of international food trade: Aligns national standards with international ones.

Challenges and Opportunities

The implementation of these new regulations represents a major challenge, but also a great opportunity to improve the quality of life for the population. To ensure its success, the collaboration of all stakeholders is essential, from health authorities to producers, distributors, and consumers.

Lack of resources, resistance to change, and administrative complexity are some of the main challenges to be addressed. However, viable solutions exist, such as public-private collaboration, investment in technology, and the simplification of administrative procedures.

Overcoming these challenges will consolidate the country’s position in international food safety, attracting investments, generating employment, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

The information provided by ARIAS® is presented for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking advice from professional advisers.