On 8 October Paraguay´s National Institute of Food and Nutrition has released several drafts on the technical regulation on milk and dairy products from the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR by its acronym in Spanish) for public consultation.
The regulations are:
- MERCOSUR Technical Regulation RTM on the identity and quality of UHT milk. It would replace the current harmonized rules described in Resolutions GMC N° 78/94 and 135/96
- MERCOSUR Technical Regulation RTM on food additives and processing aids authorised in Category 1. Dairy products, Subcategories milk and cream powder, fermented milks, and chesses. It would introduce the complete list of food additives and processing aids allowed for said categories by amending Item 5 form the applicable harmonised regulation foreseen in MERCOSUR Resolutions GMC N°79/94, 29/96, 30/96, 31/96, 32/96, 34/96, 42/96, 78/96, 81/96, 82/96, 83/96, 134/96, 136/96, 145/96, 01/97, 47/97, 48/97, 44/98, 07/18.
- MERCOSUR Technical Regulation RTM on the use of starches in cheeses (very high humidity). It would allow the use of starches and modified starches as optional ingredients in cheeses with a moisture content greater than or equal to 55.0 g/100g, in a maximum level of 1%.
Although these drafts have been shared only by Paraguay, it is expected for MERCOSUR Member States to share the proposals for comments soon.
Once approved, Members States of Mercosur are required to transpose these resolutions into their national law for implementation.
Comments and suggestions for the drafts can be submitted until 7 December via the email address asuntosregulatorios.inan@gmail.com and direccion@inan.gov.py.
Please contact us to learn more about food-related concerns or for advice on food regulations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
October 12, 2021
FYI: MERCOSUR partners are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela (currently suspended due to political reasons). Bolivia is an associated member but in the accession process.
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