Brazil Revises Food Additive Usage Standards

On May 29, 2024, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) published Normative Instruction No. 303, revising the standards for the use of food additives. This update builds upon the previous Normative Instruction No. 211 issued in 2023.

The key changes include the introduction of new requirements for the use of various food additives, such as phosphates, in certain food categories. Specifically:

• Sodium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, and other phosphate-based additives (used as acidity regulators) can now be used in solid or semi-solid food supplements (e.g. tablets, gummies, lozenges, capsules, pastes) at a maximum level of 2200 mg/kg, whether used individually or in combination.
• Lactic acid bacteria (used as a preservative) can be used in processed cheese and cheese powder at a maximum level of 12.5 mg/kg.

The new Normative Instruction No. 303 will come into effect on June 5, 2024.

This revision aims to update Brazil's food additive regulations to address evolving market needs and ensure food safety. Food manufacturers and importers operating in the Brazilian market should familiarize themselves with these updated standards to ensure compliance.

The full text of Normative Instruction No. 303 is available on the official website of the Brazilian government's Federal Official Gazette (www.in.gov.br).