Summary:
This regulation incorporates MERCOSUR Resolution No. 01/2012 standards on complementary nutritional labeling of packaged foods, regulating it. It was repaled by RDC No. 429 of 2020.
Description:
The resolution covers all food products packaged without the customer present and ready for consumer sale, regardless of their origin.
Key highlights of RDC 54 of 2012
For FULL purposes, it is important to highlight the following content of this regulation:
- Mandatory nutritional information: it is mandatory to display specific nutritional data on food packaging. This includes information such as the amount of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, and sodium.
- Portion size: it standardizes the presentation of portion sizes for easier comparison between products. It also defines how portions should be presented in relation to daily nutritional values.
- Nutritional claims: it regulates nutritional claims, such as “low in fat,” “rich in fiber,” or “source of vitamins.” These claims must comply with the criteria set out in the regulation, ensuring they are not misleading.
- Consumer Protection: in the explanatory statement, highlights that the declaration of nutritional properties provides the information that will complement health strategies and policies of the States Parties to protect consumers’ health. Then, the main objective is to protect consumers by providing clear and accurate information, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions or concerns (such as those monitoring salt, sugar, or fat intake).
New regulation
This resolution was repealed by RDC No. 429 of 2020, which introduced updated rules on nutritional labeling in Brazil. The new regulation, along with Normative Instruction No. 75 of 2020, established significant changes, particularly focusing on front-of-pack nutritional labeling to help consumers easily identify products high in critical nutrients like sugar, saturated fats, and sodium.