As of July 1, all processed foods must bear octagons printed on their packages, which are these black and white warnings that indicate if the product exceeds the recommended limits for sugar, sodium (salt), and saturated fat; Also, if it contains trans fats, component that has been ordered to be phased out of the market.
It should be noted that the use of these warnings on stickers has been allowed in order to give companies more time to adapt to the standard, but the latest extension expires on June 30. Companies that do not comply with the healthy eating law will be fined up to S/3 million 465,000 (700 UIT), according to the Indecopi.
Congress plays wall with industry
The Consumer Defense Commission of the Congress of the republic It has already unanimously approved an opinion to allow the use of these warnings on stickers permanently, despite having the unfavorable opinion of the Ministry of Health (Minsa), the governing body for health promotion and disease prevention. , and who is also in charge of implementing the healthy eating law (Law No. 30031).
“My PL that reinforces the warnings in processed foods to combat overweight has been approved (…) A victory for mypes and the health of our children and youth. Now to the plenary session!” María del Carmen Alva (AP) tweeted about the aforementioned initiative.
When the PL was presented in December 2022, La República contacted the former Minister of Health Victor Zamorawho pointed out that the industry through “lobbying and conviction” seeks to make the use of adhesives permanent.
Zamora explained that if public health policy is taken as priority, then the industry has two alternatives: adjust to the specifications of the Peruvian market or not import. “They are not essential products; therefore, Peruvians would not put their lives or health at risk due to their absence, ”he said.
Congress approves a law that excludes the placement of octagons for baby formulas
In this way, the Legislature once again plays against the industry, since a few days ago they tried to approve an initiative with a text that freed the use of octagons for milk formulas and breast milk substitutes, although it was observed by last minute by the Executive.
key arguments
Regarding Bill No. 3933, the General Directorate of Strategic Interventions in Public Health of Minsa was blunt and said that it is contrary to what is established in Law No. 30021, since the use of warnings on stickers increases the probability of non-compliance, According to a study conducted by the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Of 151 products with an adhesive warning, 108 present problems, which represents 71.5%, with snacks and cereals being the categories with the highest percentages of adhesiveness problems in the packaging,” said the management.
They detail that the following problems were identified: the octagons are not well adhered, there are air bubbles or the edges are detached, with which the possibility of detachment is high, especially in chocolates, candies and sweets. While the Directorate of Regulations of the Ministry of Production He stated that it is up to the Ministry of Health to give its opinion on the initiative as the governing body for health promotion.
It should be noted that the National Society of Industries (SNI), the Peruvian Foreign Trade Association, among other unions, presented arguments in favor, which apparently weighed more heavily for legislators.
Improvements for the application of warnings
The College of Nutritionists of Peru (PNC) pointed out that, as a result of the implementation of the healthy eating law, it is pertinent to make modifications in order to improve its application.
The dean of the CNP, Maritza Zela, specified that there are brands that are taking out smaller presentations of their products to evade the law, while there are products that come inside another container and, therefore, do not carry the warnings. “The octagons are an understandable way to educate the population and generate an alert. They are very important, because the consumption of these products leads to diseases ”, she concluded.
The word
Maritza Zela, national dean of the College of Nutritionists of Peru
“The spirit of the octagons is that they should be printed, never come off and reach the consumer. If they are used in adhesives, in the transport process they could come off.”
Source: Larepublica
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