Brazil Opens Consultation on Updates to Food Additives and Technological Aids Lists

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has opened a public consultation on proposed updates to the lists of food additives and technological aids. The measure aims to amend Instrução Normativa - IN nº 211, of March 1, 2023, which currently regulates the technological functions, maximum usage limits, and conditions of use for such substances in food products.

The proposal, published in the Diário Oficial da União (DOU) on July 8, 2025. The consultation period runs from July 15 to August 28, 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on the number of contributions received. The initiative seeks to ensure that Brazilian food safety regulations remain consistent with technological advancements and global standards, keeping the regulatory framework in line with evolving industry needs.

ANVISA's decision to propose updates stems from the ongoing need to adjust the lists of authorized additives and technological aids. These revisions help ensure that technological innovations remain consistent with the fundamental principles governing the safe use of these substances. Additionally, the proposed changes respond to issues raised by industry stakeholders, including food manufacturers, public agencies, and regulatory experts, highlighting the importance of aligning with international best practices.

Food additives are substances added intentionally to foods to modify their physical, chemical, biological, or sensory properties during production, processing, or packaging. Technological aids, on the other hand, are materials used to facilitate food production but are not intended for consumption, although their use may result in trace residues in the final product.

• Revision of Existing Categories: Adjustments will be made to existing food product categories under the current regulation. For example, the category "Other Dairy Products" will be removed, and the substances previously listed under it will be redistributed into newly proposed categories, better reflecting current market trends.
• New Categories and Functions: The consultation proposes to introduce specific provisions for the use of additives and technological aids in "plant-based" foods, a growing segment in the global food market. This update aims to address existing regulatory gaps as the current list does not adequately cover this rapidly expanding category.
•  International Convergence: The updates seeks to harmonize Brazilian regulations with international standards, particularly those established by the Codex Alimentarius, the global food safety standards body. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that Brazilian food safety regulations meet global expectations and are consistent with international trade agreements.

Key Dates and Consultation Process

• Public Consultation Period: July 15 to August 28, 2025.
• Status: The proposal is currently open for public comments, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their contributions.
• Regulatory Impact: The proposal is classified as low-impact, meaning the proposed updates are not expected to cause significant disruption to industry operations but still require consultation to ensure that stakeholders' concerns are addressed.

The proposed updates aim to provide clarity for food manufacturers regarding which substances that can be used in food products, ensuring that they are safe, effective, and aligned with the best available science. The regulatory changes will also aid in reducing trade barriers, as the Brazilian framework will increasingly reflect international norms.

Contributions from stakeholders are crucial for shaping the final regulatory outcome, helping ensure that it meets the needs of the food industry while safeguarding public health. ANVISA has committed to transparency throughout the process, with all relevant documents available for public review during the consultation period.

This initiative marks the third attempt by ANVISA to update the lists of food additives and technological aids, following previous initiatives in August 2023 and November 2024. For further details, the full draft regulation (in Portuguese) is available here.