You are here

Published in: 06/19/2018

Ministers of Health of Mercosur agreed on criteria for the frontal labeling of food

imprimirimprimir 
  • Facebook

On Friday (15/06), the Ministers of Public Health of Mercosur met in Asunción, where they agreed on the criteria for the frontal labeling of food. Uruguay is advancing on the issue and plans to issue a decree. The objective is to regulate foods with excessive contents of fats, sugars and salt. The leaders also ratified the work done for the joint purchase of high-priced medication.

This meeting was preparatory to the summit of presidents of the bloc on Monday 18, when Uruguay assumed the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur.

One of the definitions is the draft agreement on the frontal labeling of foods, which responds to the need to regulate the excessive contents of fats, sugars and salt. The general criteria for the development of a common strategy for the entire region were laid down.

On the other hand, a declaration was signed that promotes the strengthening and qualification of the capacities of the national regulatory authorities to ensure the convergence and regulatory harmonization between the states parties and associates of Mercosur.

Likewise, in the Mercosur line of work on joint negotiation for the acquisition of high-priced medicines, the progress made so far was ratified and the ad hoc group was instructed to resume its work during the pro tempore presidency of Uruguay. Finally, the ministers signed an agreement to stimulate health policies in the border areas.