Across Latin America, food safety and regulatory frameworks are undergoing rapid transformation as governments respond to rising consumer expectations around health, transparency, and sustainability. Countries throughout the region are introducing more stringent controls on everything from labelling and additives to pesticide residues and nutrition claims.
To stay ahead, food brands need tools that simplify complexity. Regulatory compliance software enables teams to monitor changing food manufacturing laws, helping companies adapt with confidence, avoid disruptions, and keep pace with evolving local requirements.
In this post, we break down the most important regulatory developments reshaping food safety and labeling in Latin America.
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has enacted new import controls on maize (Zea mays) seeds originating from France. Ordinance SDA/MAPA No. 1,449, issued on November 10, 2025, sets specific phytosanitary requirements under the authority of Decree No. 12,642.
The regulation aims to prevent the entry of quarantine pests and ensure imported seeds are safe for Brazilian agriculture. It introduces strict certification, inspection, and compliance protocols that importers must follow.
These measures reflect Brazil’s ongoing efforts to safeguard plant health and reinforce international trade standards.
Announcement Date: November 10, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Maize Seeds
Effective Date: November 10, 2025
Argentina's citrus sector has hit a milestone. According to an October 6, 2025 announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, citrus exports totaled more than USD 408 million from January to August 2025—marking the highest value recorded in the past five years.
These developments underscore Argentina's strategic push to modernize its citrus supply chain and reduce export barriers, strengthening its position in global fruit markets.
Announcement Date: October 6, 2025
Link to Regulation: Argentina Government Announcement
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Citrus Fruits
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has issued Ordinance No. 835, marking a key update to agricultural import control procedures. Published on September 11, 2025, and announced the following day, the regulation aligns Brazil’s agricultural import oversight with the Novo Processo de Importação (NPI) framework to simplify trade and strengthen biosecurity.
These updates are expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enhance transparency, and improve the traceability and safety of imported agricultural goods.
Announcement Date: September 12, 2025
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Agricultural Products
Effective Date: September 11, 2025.
Peru Proposes National Standard for Citrus Fruit Quality - February 7, 2024
On February 7, 2024, Peru’s National Institute of Quality (INACAL) released a draft technical standard (PNTP 011.023:2023) to define quality and classification requirements for fresh citrus fruits intended for direct consumption. This initiative aims to standardize fruit quality across both domestic and export markets, reinforcing Peru’s commitment to food safety and agricultural competitiveness.
The proposed regulation applies to:
The standard does not apply to citrus destined for industrial processing, such as juice production.
PNTP 011.023:2023 outlines criteria such as:
These criteria are designed to improve product consistency, ensure consumer satisfaction, and support traceable safety practices in Peru’s citrus supply chain.
Stakeholders, including growers, exporters, importers, and quality assurance teams, are encouraged to submit feedback during the public comment window, which remains open until April 6, 2024.
This draft is a strategic step in aligning Peru’s food quality standards with international market demands and Codex principles, enhancing its position in the global fresh produce trade.
Announcement Date: February 7, 2024
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fresh citrus fruits (mandarins, oranges, grapefruits, hybrids)
Deadline for Public Comment: April 6, 2024
On March 22, 2023, Peru’s National Institute of Quality (INACAL) released a proposed technical regulation aimed at establishing uniform manufacturing standards for carbonated beverages, including soft drinks and soda products. The draft rule supports Peru’s broader strategy to improve food and beverage safety, quality, and regulatory consistency.
The regulation applies to:
These standards cover both ready-to-drink and mix-to-drink formats, reinforcing quality controls across the entire soda production and packaging chain.
The proposed regulation defines:
The rule is designed to bring greater clarity to producers, importers, and quality assurance teams, while also boosting consumer confidence in carbonated beverage quality throughout Peru.
INACAL invites public comments on the draft regulation through May 20, 2023. Stakeholders in the beverage industry are encouraged to provide input to help shape the final rule and align with evolving international food safety benchmarks.
Announcement Date: March 22, 2023
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Soft drinks
Deadline for Public Comment: May 20, 2023
Navigating shifting regulations doesn’t have to slow you down. With Trace One Regulatory Compliance, food brands gain the clarity and control they need to keep pace with evolving requirements.
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