Summary.
The bill establishes mandatory measures to progressively reduce sodium content in processed foods produced in the country, with the aim of preventing noncommunicable diseases associated with excessive consumption of that mineral. It defines sodium as an essential mineral whose excessive consumption is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It treats foods subjected to industrial processes as processed foods, including bread, sausages, soups and prepared meals, along with other foods designated by the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud), or MINSA.
The bill sets maximum sodium levels per 100 grams or milliliters of product for the listed categories. The limit for ordinary bread is 400 mg; for sausages and cold cuts, 1,000 mg; for instant soups, 350 mg; for salty snacks, 800 mg; and for processed cheeses, 700 mg. These levels provide the reference for determining which products in those categories exceed the permitted maximum and, under the labeling provision, which must carry a visible warning on their packaging.
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) could update the limits by resolution and promote gradual reductions every 2 years. In doing so, it would consult the food industry and scientific associations. Any processed food exceeding the established limits would have to display a visible seal on its packaging bearing the words “HIGH IN SODIUM,” corresponding to the warning specified in the bill. The label would follow the technical regulation issued by MINSA. The warning requirement is tied to a product’s sodium content in relation to the applicable limits.
MINSA would be the competent authority for verifying compliance with the proposed provisions and imposing penalties for violations. The bill leaves the determination of those penalties to the applicable regulations. It also directs the State, through MINSA, to conduct educational campaigns about the risks of excessive sodium consumption and healthy eating habits. The Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) would have no more than six (6) months from promulgation to issue regulations under the proposed law. The proposed law would take effect six (6) months after its publication in the Official Gazette (Gaceta Oficial).
Through its provisions on updating limits, labeling, oversight and education, the bill concerns the Ministry of Health, MINSA, the Executive Branch and the State. Its requirements would reach those who produce and market the processed foods covered by its provisions, including the food industry, and could be of interest to scientific associations and consumers in the Republic of Panama.
What it proposes.
- Maximum sodium limits for categories of processed foods.
- Gradual updates to the limits and front-of-package warning labels.
- Oversight, penalties and educational campaigns concerning sodium consumption.
Who it would affect.
- Producers of processed foods covered by the bill.
- Businesses that market those products.
- Processed foods that exceed the established sodium limits.
Key points.
- Establishes mandatory measures for the progressive reduction of sodium in processed foods produced in the country.Art. 1
- Defines sodium and processed foods, including other foods designated by MINSA.Art. 2
- Sets maximum sodium levels per 100 grams or milliliters for ordinary bread, sausages and cold cuts, instant soups, salty snacks and processed cheeses.Art. 3
- Allows the Ministry of Health to update the limits by resolution and promote gradual reductions every 2 years after consulting the food industry and scientific associations.Art. 4
- Requires a visible “HIGH IN SODIUM” seal on the packaging of processed foods exceeding the limits, in accordance with MINSA’s technical regulation.Art. 5
- Assigns MINSA responsibility for verifying compliance and imposing penalties to be established by the applicable regulations.Art. 6
- Directs the State, through MINSA, to conduct educational campaigns on the risks of excessive sodium consumption and healthy eating.Art. 7
- Requires the Executive Branch to issue regulations within no more than six (6) months of promulgation and provides for the law to take effect six (6) months after publication in the Official Gazette.Arts. 8-9