Summary:
This resolution incorporates into domestic legislation the Mercosur Resolutions GMC No. 06/94 and 02/21 on mandatory and optional labeling of packaged foods.
Description:
Considering the importance of harmonize national regulations with Mercosur resolutions on labeling of packaged food, National Health Surveillance Agency [Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária – ANVISA] approved this regulation.
It provides general principles on packaging and labeling, in addition to list mandatory information that has to appear on the back-of-pack labeling. It also applies to all food products packaged in the absence of the customer and ready to be offered to consumers, irrespective of their origin.
For FULL purposes, it brings some important definitions:
- Ingredient: any substance, including food additives, used in food manufacture or its preparation. It may be present in the final product in its original or modified form.
- Food Additive: any ingredient that is intentionally added to food without the purpose of providing nourishment. Its primary function is to modify the physical, chemical, biological, or sensory characteristics of the food. Nevertheless, this definition does not include contaminants or nutritional substances added to food to maintain or improve its nutritional properties.
- Food: any substance that is ingested in its natural, semi-processed, or processed state, intended for human consumption. This includes beverages and any other substances used in its preparation, processing, or treatment. However, it excludes cosmetics, tobacco, and substances used solely as medicines.