This Easter, anyone who buys chocolate eggs, a tradition this time of the year, will notice that some brands have already applied the new rules for nutritional labeling on the front of the products, which is that seal with a magnifying glass calling attention to high levels of total sugars and saturated fat. The aim is to encourage conscious consumption and encourage better choices based on the information on the label.
In force since October 2022, frontal nutrition labeling is considered the biggest innovation of the new rules. It is information that must be present on the front panel of the packaging, at the top, as it is an area that is easily captured by our eyes. The aim is to inform the consumer, clearly and simply, about the high content of nutrients that are relevant to health. When it comes to Easter eggs, most products should contain a magnifying glass indicating high levels of total sugars and saturated fat.
Rule transition period
All new products launched from October 9, 2022, onwards must be properly labeled in line with the new rules. For chocolates and Easter eggs that were already marketed before October 9, 2022, the deadline to adapt to the new regulation requirements ends on October 9, 2023, for most manufacturers. Only small manufacturers (individual micro-entrepreneurs, family farmers, artisanal producers) will have an additional 1-year term, extending until October 9, 2024.
This way, this Easter, the consumer will be faced both with launches of chocolate eggs with the new rules, as well as with products that are in the established adaptation period. Thus, manufacturers have the option of opting to adapt the labeling to the new rules or to continue with the labels complying with the previous rule, making it clear that this applies only to products that were already marketed before the current rule of nutritional labeling came into force.
In short, during the transition period, the consumer will find products that are already adequate and products that still have not had their labels changed. It is also important to evaluate the nutritional information table of products that do not have the new label, to check their nutritional composition.
In addition to nutritional labeling standards, food manufacturers, including Easter eggs, must pay attention to the rules established in the Collegiate Board Resolution (RDC) 727/2022, which sets out the standards for labeling packaged foods. The resolution establishes the general principles for food labeling and which items must be declared, for example, the name of the product, list of ingredients, identification of origin, and instructions for conservation and use, in addition to the expiration date. The resolution also sets out the rules for reporting the presence of allergenic substances, in addition to the warning of lactose and the use of a new formula, among other items.
So, this Easter, make use of the benefit of the new labeling and make more conscious choices based on the new information available. Happy Easter!