Summary.
The bill sets out to gradually prohibit the use of containers made of expanded polystyrene, known as foam, for food packaging throughout Panama. The measure concerns containers used to hold food and provides for their gradual replacement with other materials. Its territorial scope covers the entire country, while its specific subject is foam containers used to package food.
To carry out the replacement, the bill would give all companies involved a maximum of one year from its entry into force. During that period, they would take the necessary measures to replace their current containers with biodegradable or compostable alternatives. The acceptable alternatives identified in the text include certified biodegradable materials and compostable materials meeting recognized international standards. The replacement requirement is therefore tied to the properties of the materials that would be used to package food.
The Ministry of Environment (Ministerio de Ambiente) and the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) would be responsible for monitoring compliance during the transitional period. The bill provides for periodic inspections of commercial establishments where packaged food is sold. Those inspections relate to the replacement of foam containers and to the measures that the companies involved would take within the stated period. The text assigns this monitoring role jointly to the environmental and health authorities it names.
Noncompliance with the proposed law would be sanctioned under existing laws on environmental protection and public health. The bill also provides for educational campaigns aimed at the general public concerning the risks associated with foam used for food. Those campaigns would encourage more sustainable practices among consumers and local producers. The provisions thus address the replacement of food containers, monitoring at commercial establishments and public information about the use of this material in connection with food.
The final provision states that the proposed law would take effect on the day following its promulgation. The maximum one-year period for the companies involved to replace the containers would run from that effective date. The bill concerns the monitoring responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health. It could be of interest to, or affect, companies using food packaging, establishments selling packaged food, local producers and consumers in Panama.
What it proposes.
- Gradual prohibition of expanded polystyrene containers for food.
- Replacement with biodegradable or compostable materials.
- Monitoring and inspections during the transitional period.
- Sanctions and educational campaigns concerning foam used for food.
Who it would affect.
- Companies involved in using foam containers for food.
- Commercial establishments where packaged food is sold.
- Consumers and local producers.
Key points.
- Proposes a gradual ban on expanded polystyrene containers for food packaging throughout the country.Art. 1
- Gives the companies involved a maximum of one year from entry into force to replace their current containers.Art. 2
- Accepts certified biodegradable materials or compostable materials meeting recognized international standards.Art. 3
- Assigns transitional monitoring to the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health and provides for periodic inspections.Art. 4
- Makes noncompliance subject to sanctions under existing environmental protection and public health laws.Art. 5
- Provides for educational campaigns on the risks of foam used for food and more sustainable practices.Art. 6
- Provides for entry into force on the day following promulgation.Art. 7