On 6 August, the Fund for Standardization and Quality Certification (FONDONORMA by its acronym in Spanish) notified the closure of the consultation process for the draft of the Venezuelan FONDONORMA Standard CT 10:04-02 2021 on milk beverages. It is worth mentioning that this would be the first version of the standard covering such products in the country. 

A final text is expected soon. If approved, it would introduce specific definition/denomination for each product covered, as well as technical requirements for labelling, use of ingredients, food additives and those regarding food quality and safety. 

The proposal has been very welcomed by both sector, private and official sector who are participating in the technical discussions. 

This will bring greater clarity not only for consumers but the industry too, since the challenge has been those companies interested in innovating without clear rules on the minimum amount of milk their products should meet, among other requirements. 

FYI: although FONDONORMA standards are not official rules, the participation of the Autonomous Service of Sanitary Control (SARCS) in discussions of interest for the agency, would make some specific standards of mandatory observance.

If you want to know more about the current regulatory discussions carried out in Venezuela and across Latin America, do not hesitate to contact us.