New Argentine Food Codex: Resolution 9/2024 Leaves Infant Formula Safety Gaps Galore, Can 180-Day Transition Period Save the Crisis?

On August 15, 2024, the Argentine Government officially issued joint Resolution No. 9/2024, which makes important amendments to the current Argentine Codex Alimentarius. The revision focuses on the following key areas:

 First, the government updated the list of additives used in infant formula as carriers of vitamins and other nutrients. This means that in order to ensure that the health and nutritional needs of infants are met, the types and use standards of relevant additives will be further regulated and optimized.

 Secondly, the government has made detailed explanations and regulations on the specific ingredients, definitions and labeling requirements of infant formula milk powder. Specifically, the amendments include:

(1) The definition, classification and nutritional content index requirements of infant formula are modified to ensure that the product is more in line with the growth needs of infants and young children;

(2) Clearly require that formula must be gluten-free, and strictly control the content of added fluoride, lead and arsenic to protect the health of infants and young children;

(3) Restrictions are placed on the types and amounts of food additives that can be used in formula milk, such as thickeners, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, etc., to reduce potential health risks.

(4) The main purpose of this revision is to further regulate the infant formula industry in Argentina, improve the quality and safety of products, and thus better protect the rights and interests of consumers. According to the resolution, the new regulations will come into effect the day after publication, and companies will be given a 180-day transition period to allow them enough time to adjust and adapt.

This initiative of the Argentine government fully reflects the high importance attached to the health of infants and young children and is expected to have a positive and far-reaching impact on the development of the country's dairy industry. Relevant enterprises must adjust production and labeling in a timely manner to ensure that products meet the new regulatory requirements to avoid being at a disadvantage in the market competition.