Brazil Senate CDH Approves Legislation Amendment Prohibiting Sugar Addition in Baby Foods

On March 19, 2025, the Brazilian Senate’s Human Rights Commission (Comissão de Direitos Humanos e Legislação Participativa – CDH) approved legislative project PL 2.343/2024, which seeks to prohibit the addition of sugar and sweeteners in industrially processed foods intended for infants under one year old. This amendment to Law 11.265, which regulates the marketing of food for infants and young children, aims to align dietary standards with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and Brazil’s Ministry of Health’s 2019 recommendations.

Key Provisions

• The legislation specifically bans the addition of sugars and sweeteners in industrially processed foods designed for infants under one year old.
• This measure aligns with global health recommendations and addresses concerns over the nutritional quality of infant foods in Brazil, contrasting with practices in Europe where such additives are less common.
• The proposal highlights health risks associated with early sugar consumption, including:
  • Negative effects on taste development
  • Potential neurological system impacts
  • Increased risk of excessive weight gain
  • Dental issues such as plaque formation and cavities
  • Long-term health complications
• Following approval by the CDH, the bill will proceed to the Commission on Social Affairs (Comissão de Assuntos Sociais – CAS) for further evaluation before potential enactment into law.

• The initiative has been widely praised for prioritizing public health while challenging economic interests within the food industry.

Impacto

The passage of PL 2.343/2024 would introduce significant changes for the food industry, particularly for manufacturers of processed infant foods. While the ban aligns with international health recommendations, it presents challenges for product reformulation and market adaptation.

Próximos pasos

• Businesses in the infant food sector should begin reviewing product formulations to ensure compliance with upcoming regulations.
• Reformulation efforts should focus on using natural ingredients that maintain nutritional quality without added sugars or sweeteners.
• Companies should engage with regulatory experts and closely monitor legislative developments to stay informed and contribute during public consultation phases.