Chile publishes criteria for labelling and child marketing

July 16th, 2012

In November 2011, INTA - the Chilean nutrition institute - published a lengthy report setting criteria for food labelling and restriction of child marketing. It was drafted in support of the  Chilean Bill on Food Composition and its Advertising in Chile, which is currently being implemented.

The study by INTA suggests generally applicable limits for critical nutrients (salt, saturated fat, trans fat, simple sugars) and energy, and specific limits per food category in certain cases. These limits were established according to Choices criteria as well as other local criteria. 

According to INTA, the ultimate objective in establishing these limits is to facilitate healthy food choices for consumers and to encourage reformulation of food by the industry. While the study mentions warning labels, the exact manner in which the Chilean government will inform consumers has yet to be established.