Maritza Zela: “Many formulas exceed sugar and fat levels”

The national dean of the College of Nutritionists of Peru (CNP), Maritza Zela, told La República that baby formulas and dairy supplements do not have octagons, although the law orders it, because it has not been a priority of the governments on duty. At the close of this report the Executive did not observe, on its deadline, the signature that exempts these products from warnings.

—Why don’t baby formulas have octagons today?

—Because at the time it had not been seen as relevant; However, then a popular action was filed, only then was a first complementary provision generated and it became mandatory due to the Supreme Court ruling in 2021. Government policies have also not been empathetic with respect to substitutes or milk maternized. They have been lighter in the face of these laws.

—After the ruling, the Ministry of Health published a draft supreme decree in 2022. Why isn’t it effective?

We understand that they have not given the go-ahead, but the reason is officially unknown. There has been little assertiveness to approve the supreme decree because, to be honest, it affects industries and the vast majority of hospitals in Peru are provided with these formulas, and this has led to the decree not being approved.

—How are the formulas offered in the Peruvian market characterized?

—Currently, if you buy different brands of infant formula from a pharmacy, you can see in its nutritional composition how much protein, carbohydrate and fat it has, and, if we compare what is allowed, many of these products exceed two critical nutrients : sugars and saturated fats. Evidence shows that children and babies who consume infant formula in the long run develops overweight and obesity, while exclusive breastfeeding has been declining.

“How far has it fallen?”

—65.9% of children up to 6 months of age have been exclusively breastfed by 2022; in 2013 it was 72.3%, according to Endes. So, the trend is downward and, added to the consumption of formulas, it is a concern.

—But not only the formulas would be free of octagons, but also the supplements for older adults.

—If we talk about the other age groups that are also a vulnerable population, such as the elderly, it must be taken into account that due to their advanced age they develop at least two types of comorbidities typical of that stage. For this reason, it is important that the supplements have octagons so that users can know the excesses or benefits of the products they purchase.

—Does the use of octagons drive the industry to change the composition of its products?

—Since the law was implemented, there have been studies that have shown that families, due to the octagons, have put a stop to the consumption of certain products and have chosen others. Therefore, companies have made some modifications. For example, before the Coca-Cola Cero soda was sold, but if you go to the market it is no longer sold under that name because it contains sugar. So, there are modifications that companies have made in the face of the surveillance that the consumer is doing.

—If the Executive does not observe the norm, will they take any action?

—We are meeting with other organizations to take legal action and resort to social mobilization. It is important for Congress to know that when it comes to issues that are directly related to nutrition, it should consult specialists. Also, the PNC He will present proposals very soon to make improvements in the healthy eating law, since, for example, small products are being marketed so as not to include octagons.