UPDATED: May 15, 2026
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 Tightens Fava Bean Seed Import Rules - April 23, 2026
Brazil Sets New Safety Standards for Shelf-Stable Bacon - December 17, 2025
Brazil has introduced new legal standards for cocoa-derived products under Law No. 15.404/2026, establishing minimum cocoa content requirements and mandatory labeling rules for chocolate products. The regulation affects manufacturers, importers, exporters, and retailers selling cocoa and chocolate products in Brazil and will take effect on May 6, 2027.
The new law aims to improve consumer transparency, standardize chocolate composition requirements, and prevent misleading labeling and marketing practices across the Brazilian food industry.
Brazil established official standards for cocoa-derived products under Law No. 15.404/2026
Products labeled as “chocolate” must contain at least 35% total cocoa solids
New chocolate labeling requirements mandate disclosure of total cocoa percentage on packaging
The law applies to products including cocoa powder, chocolate powder, milk chocolate, and white chocolate
Misleading labeling and marketing practices for non-compliant products are prohibited
The regulation becomes effective May 6, 2027
On May 11, 2026, the Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil published Law No. 15.404/2026 in the Official Gazette, creating standardized definitions and composition requirements for cocoa-derived products.
The regulation establishes legal identity standards for several product categories, including:
Cocoa powder
Chocolate powder
Milk chocolate
White chocolate
Under the law, products marketed as “chocolate” must contain a minimum of 35% total cocoa solids, including required levels of cocoa butter and fat-free cocoa solids.
The measure aligns Brazil’s chocolate composition standards with broader international efforts to improve product consistency and labeling transparency.
Law No. 15.404/2026 also introduces mandatory cocoa percentage declarations for cocoa and chocolate products sold in Brazil.
Manufacturers will be required to disclose the total cocoa content on product labels to provide consumers with clearer information about product composition and quality.
In addition, the regulation prohibits misleading packaging, labeling, and advertising practices for products that fail to meet Brazil’s legal chocolate standards.
The new cocoa content regulations are expected to impact food manufacturers, importers, exporters, and private label brands operating in the Brazilian market.
Companies may need to:
Reformulate chocolate products to meet minimum cocoa solids requirements
Update product labels and packaging claims
Review marketing materials for compliance with the new standards
Adjust import and export documentation for cocoa-derived products
Businesses selling chocolate products in Brazil should evaluate current formulations and labeling practices ahead of the May 2027 compliance deadline.
Announcement Date: May 11, 2026
Link to Regulation
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Cocoa-Derived Products.
Effective Date: May 6, 2027
Brazil has updated its phytosanitary import requirements for fava bean (Vicia faba) seeds originating from France, reinforcing pest control measures and compliance obligations for importers. The changes were formalized under Ordinance SDA/MAPA No. 1,611, published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on April 23, 2026, pursuant to Decree No. 12,642 of Oct. 1, 2025.
The ordinance introduces stricter safeguards to prevent the introduction of quarantine pests, particularly targeting Bruchus species (seed beetles), which pose a known risk to legume crops.
Key updates include:
Phytosanitary Certification Requirement:
All shipments must be accompanied by a certificate issued by France’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), including an additional declaration confirming freedom from Bruchus spp.
Mandatory Inspection and Testing:
Imported consignments will be subject to inspection at Brazilian entry points and may undergo laboratory testing.
All associated costs are the responsibility of the importer.
Shipments may be held pending test results.
Strict Non-Compliance Measures:
Shipments found to contain quarantine pests will be destroyed or returned.
Repeated or significant risks may trigger a temporary suspension of imports, pending a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA).
Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance:
Any shipment failing to meet the requirements will be denied entry into Brazil.
This update signals Brazil’s continued focus on biosecurity and aligns with global efforts to mitigate the spread of invasive agricultural pests. Exporters in France and importers in Brazil must ensure documentation accuracy and pest-free certification to avoid costly disruptions.
Brazil now requires enhanced phytosanitary certification for fava bean seeds from France.
Bruchus spp. freedom must be explicitly declared in export documentation.
Importers face inspection, testing costs, and potential shipment delays.
Non-compliant shipments risk destruction, return, or import suspension.
Announcement Date: April 23, 2026
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Fava bean seeds (Vicia faba)
Effective Date: April 23, 2026
Argentina has updated its framework for assessing the food suitability of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, used in human and animal food. SENASA said the change modernizes a system that had been in place since 2002 and aligns the review process with scientific and technological advances in biotechnology.
At the center of the update is Resolution 199/2026, which replaces Resolution 412/2002. The new rule introduces a risk hypothesis-based approach, allowing regulators to tailor data requirements to the characteristics of each case and focus the review on the information most relevant to food safety.
The framework also creates two review tracks: a normal procedure for more complex cases and a differential procedure for submissions with lower technical or administrative complexity. According to SENASA, the differential pathway uses substantially lighter requirements while still supporting a sound, evidence-based safety assessment.
SENASA said the update emerged from a public-private process and is intended to support new biotechnology development, particularly local innovation, through faster and more proportionate procedures. The resolution also states that final food-suitability conclusions must be revisited if new scientific evidence calls the original assessment into question.
For food and feed companies, developers, and regulatory teams, the change signals a more modern GMO food safety review system in Argentina—one designed to reduce unnecessary data collection while preserving oversight of human and animal food safety. The resolution was published March 12, 2026, and entered into force March 13, 2026.
Announcement Date: March 13, 2026
Link to Regulation: Resolution 199/2026, Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Genetically modified organisms for human and animal food
Deadline for Public Comments: Not specified in the final resolution. A draft consultation was held from April 21 to May 2, 2025.
Effective Date: March 13, 2026.
Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has issued updated safety and quality standards for shelf-stable bacon products through Ordinance SDA/MAPA No. 1.492, published on December 17, 2025. This regulation amends the existing framework established under Ordinance SDA No. 748 of February 8, 2023, and takes effect immediately.
These updates reflect Brazil's continued commitment to food safety by aligning product standards with scientifically validated preservation and microbiological control measures.
Announcement Date: December 17, 2025
Food & Ingredients Impacted: Bacon and Bacon Products
Effective Date: December 17, 2025
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
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