Advances and challenges in animal source food inspection legislation for Brazilian small-scale and artisanal producers.

The strict sanitary inspection legislation of animal source food has been considered a trade barrier for smallholder farmers and small-scale producers in Brazil. In this sense, law flexibilization is suggested to facilitate national trade of these products. We conducted a social and sanitary analysis, presenting the current Brazilian conjuncture and difficulties for animal source food Brazilian inspection law flexibilization. By discussing inequalities, human rights issues, animal source food legislation, and international food safety standards, we evidenced critical barriers for legislative reform in Brazil. Among these barriers, the main ones are social inequalities; high zoonotic risk of animal source food products; the Brazilian political structure and its reflection on different inspection practices among country jurisdictions; and the lack of inspection services in most Brazilian municipalities. At the same time, we present positive updates in the normative framework, and point out game-changers to modify the actual safety and trade situations of Brazilian small-scale and artisanal animal source food products, including policies to strengthen state and municipal inspection services and harmonization initiatives based on international standards and national legislation. We also suggest policies to implement inspection services in municipalities, whether by municipal action or by a consortium, as well as policies to strengthen technical assistance and rural extension for small-scale and artisanal producers. These policies aim to reduce technical and sanitary education inequalities and build a fairer animal source food system.

LOGOS, SÍMBOLOS Y LEYENDAS PRESENTES EN LOS RÓTULOS DE ALIMENTOS ENVASADOS: UN ANÁLISIS CRÍTICO DESDE LA LEGISLACIÓN VIGENTE EN ARGENTINA / LOGOS, SYMBOLS AND LEGENDS PRESENT ON PACKAGED FOOD LABELS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS FROM THE CURRENT LEGISLATION IN ARGENTINA

Introducción: recientemente, se ha evidenciado una tendencia hacia estilos de vida y hábitos alimentarios saludables y un incremento de productos orientados para tal fin. Entre ellos se incluyen alimentos para veganos/vegetarianos, "naturales", aquellos que destacan la ausencia de aditivos o ingredientes de tipo "alérgenos". Estos productos envasados suelen presentar leyendas y/o logos que los caracterizan. El objetivo fue realizar un relevamiento de logos, sellos, frases en los rótulos de alimentos comerciales y analizar la información encontrada según la legislación vigente en Argentina. Materiales y Métodos: se relevaron al azar 151 alimentos comerciales en supermercados, dietéticas y páginas web de empresas (agosto-octubre de 2022). Los productos relevados fueron: farináceos (PF), bebidas vegetales (BV), análogos de cárnicos (AC), análogos de quesos (AQ) y otros. Los atributos buscados fueron veganos/vegetarianos (VV), natural/artesanal (NA), ausencia de aditivos (AA), ausencia de lactosa (ALA), ausencia de alérgenos (AAE). Resultados: el atributo VV se observó en el 68% de los productos relevados y prevaleció en los AC, PF y BV. El atributo NA se observó en 23% de los alimentos, principalmente en AC y PF. Para AA, que se presentó en 75% de los alimentos, los PF se destacaron. Los atributos ALA y AAE aparecieron en el 17% de los alimentos. Las BV fueron la categoría que más presentó el atributo ALA. En ellas se observó una alta prevalencia de AA y ALA. En los AC, el atributo que se destacó fue VV (92%). Dentro de PF, la mayor prevalencia fue del atributo AA (96%), seguido por VV (57%). En el grupo AQ, prevaleció el atributo VV (89%). Conclusiones: se observó una alta presencia de atributos en los rótulos, que en su mayoría carecen de una normativa nacional vigente que los avale. Ello se contrapone a la demanda del mercado actual y a consumidores más exigentes

Introduction: recently, there has been a trend towards healthy lifestyles and eating habits; therefore, there is an increase in products oriented for this purpose. Among these products we can find foods for vegans/vegetarians, "natural" foods, those that emphasize the absence of additives or "allergenic" type ingredients. These packaged products usually have legends and/or logos that characterize them. The objective was to carry out a survey of logos, seals and phrases in labels of commercial foods and analyze the information found according to current legislation in Argentina. Materials and Methods: 151 commercial foods were randomly surveyed in supermarkets, dietetics and company websites (August-October 2022). The surveyed products were: farinaceous (FP), vegetable drinks (VD), meat analogues (MA). , cheese analogues (CA) and others. The attributes sought were vegan/vegetarian (VV), natural/artisanal (NA), absence of additives (AA), absence of lactose (ALA), absence of allergens (AAE). Results: the VV attribute was observed in 68% of surveyed products and prevailed in MA, FP and VD. The NA attribute was observed in 23% of the foods, mainly in MA and PF. For AA, which was present in 75% of the food products analyzed, the FPs stood out. In the case of ALA and AAE attributes, they appeared in 17% of the foods. VD was the category that presented the ALA attribute in the highest percentage. A high prevalence of AA and ALA was observed in them. In the MA, the attribute that stood out was VV (92%). Within FP, the highest prevalence was of the AA attribute (96%), followed by VV (57%). In the CA group, the VV attribute prevailed (89%). Conclusions: a large presence of attributes was observed in the labels, which mostly lack current national regulations that endorse them. This contrasts with the demands of the current market and with demanding consumers

Strategic and contested use of food laws to ban smokeless tobacco products in India: a qualitative analysis of litigation.

OBJECTIVE: To understand how food laws are used, contested and interpreted to ban certain forms of chewing tobacco in India. METHODS: A qualitative study analysing all the tobacco-related litigation under the food laws in India. We used an inductive thematic analysis of the litigation contents. RESULTS: The tobacco industry systematically deployed litigation to (1) challenge the categorisation of smokeless tobacco products as food, and hence, questioned the use of food laws for regulating these products; (2) challenge the regulatory power of the state government in banning tobacco products via the food laws; and (3) challenge the applicability of the general food laws that enabled stricter regulations beyond what is prescribed under the tobacco-specific law. CONCLUSION: Despite facing several legal challenges from the tobacco industry, Indian states optimised food laws to enable stricter regulations on smokeless tobacco products than were feasible through use of a tobacco-specific law.

Challenges for building healthy food environment in an agricultural municipality in southern Brazil / Os desafios para a construção de ambientes alimentares saudáveis em um município agrícola no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this paper is to review the challenges for the development of healthier food environments in Palmeira da Missões, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods A qualitative approach was carried out with 29 participants. Data were produced through semi-structured interviews and the content was assessed by thematic categories. Results Three main difficulties were identified for the fostering of healthier food environments in the municipality: the disconnection between consumption and food production; the fragility in the food safety regulations and finally, the disconnection between public policies and local actions for food production. Conclusion The results allow to conclude that there are weaknesses concerning the food environments in Palmeira das Missões, which imply challenges for the fostering of healthy eating and, at the same time, a need for more effective articulation and local action.

RESUMO Objetivo Este trabalho analisou os desafios para a construção de ambientes alimentares mais saudáveis em Palmeira da Missões, no Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos Foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, que contou com a participação de 29 interlocutores. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas as quais foram analisadas através da avaliação análise de conteúdo por categorias temáticas. Resultados Foram identificadas três principais dificuldades para a promoção de ambientes alimentares mais saudáveis no município: a desconexão entre consumo e produção de alimentos; a fragilidade na legislação higiênico-sanitária dos alimentos; e por último, a desarticulação entre políticas públicas e ações locais para a produção de alimentos. Conclusão Os resultados permitem concluir que há fragilidades em relação aos ambientes alimentares em Palmeira das Missões, os quais implicam desafios para a promoção da alimentação saudável e, ao mesmo tempo, necessidade de articulação e atuação local mais efetiva.

Science and claims of the arena of food bioactives: comparison of drugs, nutrients, supplements, and nutraceuticals.

The scientific community and lay press are participating in a heated debate over the usefulness of food bioactives when used as dietary supplements. This debate often ignores hard scientific evidence and the outcomes of proper research in either direction. Some propose that health claims should be awarded based on classic pharmacological parameters of efficacy and safety. Others suggest that a botanical history of their safe use and basic biological evidence in support of their effects should suffice to allow their marketing. The current regulatory impasse does not help solve this conundrum. It is time for scientists, regulators, and legislators to open an epistemological debate on the appropriateness of using classic pharmacological methods for substances that do not share the usual drug profiles and which are, consequently, difficult to study in humans.

Idas y venidas del diseño de la política de alimentación saludable en el Perú: análisis comparativo de sus documentos regulatorios / The comings and goings of the design of the healthy eating policy in Peru: a comparative analysis of its regulatory documents

La venta de productos ultraprocesados y el sobrepeso y la obesidad han aumentado en América Latina en los últimos años. En el Perú, se aprobó la Ley N° 30021 en busca de reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad en niños y adolescentes, sin embargo, el desarrollo de esta Ley se caracterizó por tener continuas modificaciones en los diversos documentos elaborados. El propósito de este artículo es identificar cambios esenciales en los documentos elaborados por el Gobierno y el Congreso en el marco de la Ley N° 30021, específicamente en los temas de regulación de la publicidad de alimentos y bebidas no alcohólicas, advertencias publicitarias y parámetros técnicos de nutrientes críticos. Los cambios identificados en los diferentes documentos muestran el dinamismo en el desarrollo de esta política donde la falta de evidencia científica oportuna, la oposición de la industria alimentaria y la falta de consenso político fueron los principales motivos.

The sale of ultra-processed products has increased in Latin America in recent years, as well as the prevalence of overweight and obesity. In Peru, Law No. 30021 passed in an attempt to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; however, the development of this law was characterized by constant modifications to the documents prepared in this regard. This article aims to identify essential modifications in the documents elaborated by the Government and the Congress within the timeframe of Law No. 30021, particularly those regarding the regulation of food and non-alcoholic beverage advertising, advertising warnings and technical parameters of critical nutrients. The lack of timely scientific evidence, the opposition by the food industry and the lack of political consensus were the main reasons for the detected modifications, which shows the dynamism during the development of this policy.

Food Trade for Specific Health Use FOSHU through Patents in LATAM: Relevant Aspects in International Law / Comercio de Alimentos para Uso Específico de Salud FOSHU a través de Patentes en LATAM: Aspectos Relevantes en el Derecho Internacional

Introduction: This article addresses the legal regulations for Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) in the main trade associations of Latin America (LATAM), based on the Codex Alimentarius system. Objective: The objective is to determine regulatory progress in the trade of FOSHU products. Material and methods: This study includes a review of the literature emanating from the databases from 2018 to 2022, according to the framework of three general food marketing regulations: food safety claims; inspection regulations, and food manufacturing and labeling. Results: The results reveal the absence of a specific legislation for FOSHU foods, as these are only mentioned in the area of nutrition. Conclusions: The legal framework in the trade of these products is based on jus cogens. Registration of industrial patents in the main member countries of LATAM trade associations can be facilitated through the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)(AU)

Introducción: El artículo aborda las regulaciones jurídicas en Alimentos para Uso Específico de Salud "FOSHU" en las principales asociaciones comerciales de América Latina (LATAM), basados en el sistema Codex Alimentarius. Objetivo: Determinar el avance regulatorio en la comercialización de productos FOSHU. Materiales y métodos: Se revisa la literatura emanada de las bases de datos desde el año 2018 al 2022, según el marco de tres regulaciones generales de comercialización de alimentos: las declaraciones de seguridad alimentaria; las regulaciones de inspecciones, las de manufacturas de alimentos y etiquetado. Resultados: Los resultados revelaron la ausencia de una legislación específica para alimentos FOSHU, siendo solo mencionados en el área de la nutrición. Conclusiones: El revestimiento jurídico en la comercialización de estos productos; se cimienta en el ius cogens. Las inscripciones de patentes industriales en los principales países miembros de las asociaciones comerciales en LATAM pueden facilitarse por la vía del Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)(AU)

Review: Bioavailability of trace elements in farm animals: definition and practical considerations for improved assessment of efficacy and safety.

Currently, the authorisation procedure of trace elements as feed additives in the European Union according to Regulation (EC) No. 1831/2003 does not consider the bioavailability of trace element sources. This manuscript provides framework conditions for in vivo experiments that aim to estimate differences in the relative bioavailability between supplements of essential trace elements. Framework conditions encompass necessary technical information on the test substance, the experimental design and diet composition as well as the suitability of status parameters that allow for relative comparisons of regression variables. This manuscript evolves recommendations for researchers to conduct solid and reliable experiments on the matter as well as decision makers to interpret the value of studies submitted with authorisation applications regarding a certain trace element supplement.

[Bioactive compounds from plants. Development of new or novel food]. / Compuestos bioactivos de origen vegetal: desarrollo de nuevos alimentos.

Introduction: Introduction: substances with physiological effect or bioactive compounds are having a fundamental consideration in the diets of the populations during the last years, especially those that consume high content from plant foods that provide them. Methods: collect the latest scientific data on bioactive compounds from plant origin and develop legislation regulating the nutritional information of foods and beverages, as well as the health claims and reduction of disease risk claims. The approval of novel foods too. Results: there is scientific evidence on the effect of bioactive compounds, and this has meant their incorporation into dietary quality indices, such as the food compass. As well as the approval of 26 health claims and 2 reduction of disease risk claims in the European Union. Several ingredients or foods classified as novel foods have also been approved within European Union food law. Conclusions: bioactive compounds have more and more scientific evidence to be recommended directly or through the foods and beverages that contain them in dietary guidelines and must be considered as other nutrients and incorporated into the nutritional information even if they do not have caloric intake.

Introducción: Introducción: los compuestos bioactivos (sustancias con efecto fisiológico) están teniendo en los últimos años una gran consideración en las dietas de las poblaciones, sobre todo en aquellas que consumen un alto contenido de alimentos vegetales que las aportan. Métodos: recoger los últimos datos científicos sobre compuestos bioactivos de origen vegetal y recopilar la legislación que regula la información nutricional de los alimentos y de las bebidas, así como de las propiedades saludables y de prevención de riesgo de enfermedad y de la aprobación de nuevos alimentos. Resultados: existe evidencia científica sobre el efecto de los compuestos bioactivos, lo que ha supuesto su incorporación en índices de calidad de la dieta (como la brújula alimentaria), así como la aprobación de 26 declaraciones de propiedades saludables y 2 de prevención de riesgo de enfermedad en la Unión Europea. También se han aprobado varios ingredientes o alimentos catalogados como nuevos alimentos dentro de la legislación alimentaria de la Unión Europea. Conclusiones: los compuestos bioactivos tienen cada vez más evidencia científica para estar recomendados, directamente o a través de los alimentos y de las bebidas que los contienen, en las guías alimentarias y deberían considerarse como otros nutrientes e incorporarse a la información nutricional, aunque no tengan aporte calórico.

Regional Codex Guidelines and Their Potential To Impact Food Safety in Traditional Food Markets.

ABSTRACT: Traditional food markets frequently have inadequate infrastructure, limited access to potable water, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate storage facilities, making them especially risky places for the growth and spread of foodborne pathogens. Traditional markets also often lack effective government oversight. Government programs are important for providing a foundation to manage food safety by setting and enforcing minimum food safety and quality standards and by establishing uniform standards for the conduct of food businesses. Four regional guidelines developed by the Codex Alimentarius to improve the safety of street-vended food were examined for their application to traditional food markets. These guidelines provide important standards that can be used to improve food safety in traditional food markets in many countries, including advice to governments and market authorities in the areas of policy and regulation, infrastructure, food handling, vendor health and hygiene, and training and education. The guidelines can be supplemented with additional material from the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. However, given the gaps identified in the individual regional guidelines, a uniform international standard is needed for national, regional, and local governments to use when managing food safety in traditional markets.

Assessment of the Impact of Scientific Reports Published by EFSA and GIS on Functional Foods Newly Placed on the Market in Poland.

Dietary supplements are health-promoting products. The legal categorization of dietary supplements as foods does not raise concerns, but a general understanding of how they work in the human body seems to deviate from the official definition. Thus, it is necessary to establish effective methods of market control related to dietary supplements. This research aims at assessing the impact of recommendations by various food safety authorities on ingredients used in newly registered products. It probes how the proportions of utilized product ingredients were modified after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Chief Sanitary Inspector in Poland (GIS) published their recommendations. Research data on the composition of products comes from the Polish national register of dietary supplements and covers the period from 2012 to 28 November 2021. Note that 103,102 products were analysed for the presence of thirty-seven ingredients, and the joinpoint regression method was applied to assess changing trends related to the use of ingredients. As our research points out, most often, changes in the trend appeared in product ingredients for which the European Food Safety Authority and Chief Sanitary Inspector in Poland issued the recommendation of having the safest level of consumption. However, these changes seem to emerge randomly and should not be unquestionably considered as the result of the published recommendations.

Avaliação das rotulagens de alimentos frente à legislação vigente e do uso de alegações não regulamentadas / Evaluation of food labeling before legislation and the use of non-regimented claims

Este estudo objetivou analisar a conformidade de 56 rótulos de produtos alimentícios divididos em 14 categorias em relação às legislações gerais e específicas de rotulagem de alimentos vigentes até o momento de sua publicação, bem como apresentar abordagens com relação à necessidade da constante melhoria e aperfeiçoamento da legislação. Constatou-se um total de 158 não conformidades e que 55,3% dos produtos avaliados apresentavam pelo menos uma não conformidade em sua rotulagem. Biscoitos e produtos artesanais foram as categorias que mais apresentaram rótulos com pelo menos uma não conformidade. Entre as informações obrigatórias, as referentes ao lote, à data de fabricação, ao prazo de validade e à conservação foram as mais recorrentes entre as não conformidades. Verificou-se também que algumas expressões como "produto caseiro", "vegano", "vegetariano", "base vegetal", entre outras, requerem melhor regulamentação ou legislação específica, portanto, não puderam ser avaliadas em relação à conformidade. Os motivos para tal cenário podem ser a aplicação incorreta da legislação e o uso de estratégias de marketing com o objetivo de atender a desejos e expectativas dos consumidores. Portanto, faz-se necessária uma intensificação da fiscalização, assim como maior celeridade na regulamentação de alegações específicas por parte dos órgãos responsáveis (AU).

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of the labeling of 56 industrialized and packaged food products in the absence of the consumer, divided into 14 categories, before general and specific legislations on food labeling was in force at the time of its publication, as well as to present an approach regarding the need for constant improvement of legislation. It was found that 55.3% of the products presented at least one non-compliance in their labeling, and that there were a total of 159 non-compliances. Cookies and products with artisanal claims were the categories that most often presented products with at least one non-conformity. Among the mandatory information, batch, production date, expiration date, and conservation conditions were the ones that most presented non-conformities. It was also found that some claims, such as vegan, vegetarian, homemade, and plant-based, among others, lack of specific legislation, and therefore could not be assessed whether it was in compliance. This scenario shows misapplication of current legislation by food industry, as well as marketing strategies aiming to meet consumer''s seek. Thus, it is necessary to intensify inspection and also speed up the requirement for specific claims for the responsible agencies, mainly those related to health issues (AU).

Labelling Assessment of Greek "Quality Label" Prepacked Cheeses as the Basis for a Branded Food Composition Database.

A labelling assessment study of Greek prepacked "quality label" cheeses was conducted with a view to provide an overview of the whole category. In total, 158 prepacked products belonging to 19 "quality label" cheeses were identified in the Greek market. Among them, Feta had the highest share followed by Kasseri, Graviera Kritis, Kefalograviera and Ladotyri Mitilinis with 81, 16, 15, 11 and 9 products found in the market, respectively. For the rest of the 14 cheeses, the share was limited, ranging from 1 to 4. All labelling indications, nutritional information, claims and other labelling data were recorded and analysed in relation to their compliance against European food law requirements. The results of the analysis showed that for only 6 of the 19 cheeses, all products fully complied with EU labelling legislation. Among the 14 mandatory labelling requirements, the lowest overall compliance was observed for allergens declaration (65%). The analysis of the nutritional data showed a remarkable variability between cheeses and products. Differences in the nutritional characteristics were more pronounced among soft, semi-hard, hard and whey cheese. The above data were entered into an archival database. Application of global harmonisation and standardisation guidelines and tools lead to the initialisation of a branded food composition database (BFCD), conceptualising a specialised database for "quality label" foods.

Information displayed on Brazilian food bar labels points to the need to reformulate the current food labelling legislation.

This article compares information on the labels of Brazilian food bars with National Health Surveillance Agency legislation. Twenty-six brands of food bars were identified, comprising 50 commercial lines and 153 flavors. The marketing appeal to consumers on the front of pack labeling appeared in many ways to identify these products with a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. However, mandatory information was hard to see, both on the packaging and online, making it difficult for consumer to access. Most of the information on labels followed current legislation, but nutritional irregularities were identified since most bars were ultra-processed and one had incorrect information on the label. The claim that these foods are healthy reinforces the need to reformulate nutrition labeling in Brazil to facilitate identification of nutritional quality/value of foods as part of healthy and sustainable diets.

The current use and evolving landscape of nutraceuticals.

The nutraceutical market is currently a high-impact multi-billion-dollar industry, and it is anticipated to grow rapidly over the next decade. Nutraceuticals comprise diverse food-derived product categories that have become widespread due to increased consumer awareness of potential health benefits and the need for improved wellness. This targeted review is designed to identify the current global trends, market opportunities, and regulations that drive the nutraceutical industry. Safety and efficacy concerns are also explored with a view to highlighting areas that necessitate further research and oversight. Key drivers of the nutraceutical market include aging populations, consumer awareness, consumer lifestyle, increasing cost of healthcare, and marketing channels. Although some nutraceuticals hold promising preventive and therapeutic opportunities, there is a lack of a universal definition and regulatory framework among countries. Moreover, there is a lack of adequate evidence for their efficacy, safety, and effectiveness, which was even further highlighted during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Future prospective epidemiological studies can delineate the health impact of nutraceuticals and help set the scientific basis and rationale foundation for clinical trials, reducing the time and cost of trials themselves. Together, an understanding of the key drivers of the nutraceutical market alongside a consistent and well-defined regulatory framework will provide further opportunities for growth, expansion, and segmentation of nutraceuticals applications.

The need for European harmonization of Nutrivigilance in a public health perspective: a comprehensive review.

According to the European Union regulation, some countries have established a pre-market notification system for food supplements while others have not. As this regulation is unfulfilled, a notified and marketed food supplement ingredient in one country may be forbidden in another. Even though food supplements shall not be placed on the market if unsafe, some products may still expose the consumers to risks. The risk is increased by easier access due to worldwide dissemination fostered by the internet and free movement of goods in the European Union. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed and the Emerging Risks Exchange Network are described. To date, the European Union legislation does not include a provision to establish a dedicated vigilance system for food supplements (Nutrivigilance). Six European Union countries have nevertheless set up national systems, which are presented. The present lack of European Union data collection harmonization, does not allow easy cooperation between countries. This article advocates for creating a coordinated European Nutrivigilance System to detect and scrutinize adverse effects of food supplements. This, to help in directing science-based risk assessments and reinforce the science-based decision of policy makers to improve public health safety.

Food commercialization in schools: analysis of the regulatory process in Brazil / Comercialização de alimentos em escolas: análise do processo de regulamentação no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To identify and to describe the legal provisions that regulate the sale of food in Brazilian schools. Method Documentary analysis carried out in 2019, on the websites of the State, capital and Federal District Legislative Assemblies, via e-mail and/or telephone contact and publications on the subject review. The data were grouped by geographic region and a descriptive analysis was carried out. Results Data were obtained from 96% of the federative units (25 States and the Federal District). 62 legal provisions were found: 60% current, 11% revoked and 29% draft bills. Current legislation was found in 67% of States: 100% of the States in the South, Southeast and Center-West regions, 56% in the Northeast and 43% in the North. Most of the legal provisions prohibit the sale of ultra-processed foods and encourage the sale of fruits and fresh foods in the public and private school network. Conclusion Progress is observed in the school food regulatory process in this country, considering its coverage in the States and in the public and private school network, but still restricted to the South, Southeast and Midwest regions.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar e descrever os dispositivos legais que regulamentam a comercialização de alimentos em escolas brasileiras. Método Análise documental realizada em 2019, nos sites das Assembleias Legislativas dos Estados, Capitais e Distrito Federal, via e-mail e/ou contato telefônico e publicações sobre o tema. Os dados foram agrupados por região geográfica e procedeu-se análise descritiva. Resultados Obteve-se dados de 96% das unidades federativas (25 Estados/Capitais e Distrito Federal). Foram encontrados 62 dispositivos legais: 60% vigentes, 11% revogados e 29% projetos de lei. Regulamentação vigente foi encontrada em 67% dos Estados brasileiros: 100% dos Estados das Regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste, 56% no Nordeste e 43% no Norte. A maioria dos dispositivos legais proíbe a comercialização de alimentos ultraprocessados e incentiva a venda de frutas e alimentos in natura, na rede pública e privada. Conclusão Constata-se avanço no processo de regulamentação no país, considerando abrangência nos estados/capitais e na rede pública e privada, porém ainda restrito às Regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste.

A regulatory relic: After 60 years of research on cancer risk, the Delaney Clause continues to keep us in the past.

The Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act became law in 1958 because of concerns that potentially harmful chemicals were finding their way into foods and causing cancer. It states, "[n]o additive shall be deemed to be safe if it is found to induce cancer when ingested by man or animal, or if it is found, after tests which are appropriate for the evaluation of the safety of food additives, to induce cancer in man or animal." The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA, prior to implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act) were charged with implementing this clause. Over 60 years, advances in cancer research have elucidated how chemicals induce cancer. Significant advancements in analytical methodologies have allowed for accurate and progressively lower detection limits, resulting in detection of trace amounts. Based on current scientific knowledge, there is a need to revisit the Delaney Clause's utility. The lack of scientific merit to the Delaney Clause was very apparent when recently the US FDA had to revoke the food additive approvals of 6 synthetic flavoring substances because high dose testing in animals demonstrated a carcinogenic response. However, US FDA determined that these 6 synthetic flavoring substances do not pose a risk to public health under the conditions of intended use. The 7th substance, styrene, was de-listed because it is no longer used by industry. The scientific community is committed to improving public health by promoting relevant science in risk assessment and regulatory decision making, and this was discussed in scientific sessions at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2020 Annual Meeting and the Society of Toxicology (SOT) 2019 Annual Meeting. Expert presentations included advances in cancer research since the 1950s; the role of the Delaney Clause in the current regulatory paradigm with a focus on synthetic food additives; and the impact of the clause on scientific advances and regulatory decision making. The sessions concluded with panel discussions on making the clause more relevant based on 21st-century science.