Panama Debates Front-of-Pack Labeling for Food Products

Bethy Cruzado, a leader of the Healthy Eating Movement Foundation, stated that there are countless oils that have hydrogenation in their composition, which is what causes artery blockages. Cruzado hopes that in the next legislative session of the Assembly, which begins in January, the project will be well-received not only by deputies but also by the general public. The project was presented by deputy Crispiano Adames and was approved in its first debate on October 27. Cruzado indicated that there is no fair competition, as consumers are drawn to these products because, in addition to being economical, they contain additives to make them more palatable, unlike other products that are nutritious. There is another proposal, from deputy Ernesto Cedeño, that regulates the reduction of sodium in processed foods. The Healthy Eating Movement Foundation is not only behind the project that would place front-of-pack labeling on food products so that consumers have the right to be informed of their contents, but it also supports the proposal that regulates foods containing trans fats or saturated fats. "Because it is our right to be informed about the excesses of ultra-processed products, which are causing more deaths than the pandemic," she emphasized. On the other hand, she pointed out that there are countries that have the regulations they are promoting, but they manufacture ultra-processed products and send them to other countries, such as Panama. The document was sponsored by the Health Commission of the Assembly and is pending its first debate. "We are coming with force to work on consumer rights," said Cruzado, who added that it is lamentable to see people aged 35 and 40 admitted to cardiology rooms for cardiovascular problems.