Wednesday this week, June 7, was World Food Safety Day. The World Health Organization has stated this year’s theme was “Food standards save lives”. To provide an introductory overview of the food safety regulatory framework around the world, we are giving an overview each day this week of the food safety regulations in the three most populous countries on each inhabited continent. This is part 6 of 6, South America, where we look into Brazil, Columbia and Argentina.

Food safety regulations in Brazil – Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA). Here are some key aspects of food safety regulations in Brazil:

  1. Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA):
  • MAPA is responsible for overseeing food safety regulations in Brazil, with a focus on agricultural and livestock products.
  • Inspection Systems: MAPA operates inspection systems that ensure the safety and quality of food products throughout the production, processing, and distribution chain.
  • Certification and Traceability: MAPA establishes certification processes and promotes traceability systems to track the origin and movement of food products.
  1. Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA):
  • ANVISA is responsible for regulating food safety standards related to human health, including food products, additives, and packaging materials.
  • Food Safety Resolutions: ANVISA issues resolutions that establish requirements for food safety, labeling, packaging, and additives. These resolutions aim to protect consumers from health risks associated with food consumption.

Food safety regulations in Colombia – Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection (Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social) and the Colombian Agricultural Institute (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario – ICA). Here are some key aspects of food safety regulations in Colombia:

  1. Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection:
  • The Ministry of Health and Social Protection is responsible for overseeing food safety regulations related to public health in Colombia.
  • Resolution 2674 of 2013: This resolution establishes the regulatory framework for food safety in Colombia. It sets out requirements for food businesses, including hygiene practices, food handling, labeling, and traceability.
  1. Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA):
  • ICA is responsible for regulating food safety standards for agricultural and livestock products in Colombia.
  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): ICA promotes the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and livestock.
  • Certification and Traceability: ICA establishes certification processes and traceability systems to monitor and control the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products.
  1. Food Safety Standards:
  • Colombia has adopted Codex Alimentarius standards as a reference for food safety. These international standards cover various aspects of food production, handling, storage, and distribution to ensure the safety and quality of food products.

Food safety regulations in Argentina – Argentine Food Safety and Quality Service (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria – SENASA) and the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica – ANMAT). Here are some key aspects of food safety regulations in Argentina:

  1. Argentine Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA):
  • SENASA is the primary regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety and quality in Argentina, with a focus on agricultural and livestock products.
  • Inspection Systems: SENASA operates inspection systems to monitor and control food safety throughout the production, processing, and distribution chain.
  • Certification and Traceability: SENASA establishes certification processes and promotes traceability systems to track the origin and movement of food products.
  1. National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT):
  • ANMAT is responsible for regulating food safety standards related to human health, including food products, additives, and packaging materials.
  • Food Safety Regulations: ANMAT issues regulations that establish requirements for food safety, labeling, packaging, additives, and maximum residue limits for pesticides and contaminants.