New Initiatives in Guatemala for the Promotion of Healthy Eating
The initiative for the Healthy Eating Promotion Law in Guatemala is about to enter its third reading in Congress. This law, which requires warning labels about high fat and sugar content in manufactured foods, has become a crucial topic of discussion for the country’s food industry. The legislation aims to establish new standards that would significantly impact the health registration of certain products.
Among the proposed modifications to be presented for approval in the Congressional Plenary are:
- Elimination of the tax rate for warning labels.
- Reduction of proposed penalties.
- Extension of the law’s validity period.
These amendments reflect an attempt to balance the needs of the food industry with public health objectives, ensuring that the law’s implementation is manageable for food producers.
The law initiative includes several key points considered essential for promoting healthy eating:
- Front Labeling: A front labeling system in the form of octagons is anticipated to warn consumers about high content of critical nutrients like fats and sugars.
- PAHO Nutrient Profile Model: This model will be included to guide the warning labels.
- Tax Rates for Fines: Tax rates for fines are established for those who do not comply with the new regulations.
- Advertising Restriction: There will be restrictions on advertising foods with four or more warning labels targeted at individuals over 18 years old.
- “HIGH IN” Legend: Foods and beverages with one or more warning labels must carry this legend alerting consumers about high levels of certain nutrients.
Congress is in the process of discussing these new regulations, which focus on promoting healthier eating among the Guatemalan population. These regulations will not only affect how food products are registered and labeled but also manufacturing and marketing practices.
The regulation will establish new rules on labeling, warnings about fat and sugar content, manufacturing characteristics, and the elimination of tax rates for warning labels, among others. This regulation will generate significant changes in the health registration processes of some products, which will be affected if the new regulation is approved by the Congressional Plenary in Guatemala.
Ma. Fernanda Villagrán
fernanda.villagran@garciabodan.com
Associate
García & Bodán
Guatemala