Colombian Dairy Industry Faces Challenges with Proposed 'Ultra-Processed' Labeling

The Colombian government has introduced a proposed resolution to modify the nutritional labeling on food products, sparking a debate especially within the dairy industry. The proposal suggests adding the term 'ultra-processed' to front-of-package labels. Experts warn that this change could lead to consumer confusion, increased costs, and impact essential dairy products.

The Association of Colombian Science and Food Technology (ACTA) has expressed concerns that the proposal, currently under public consultation, lacks scientific consensus and could result in unclear regulatory decisions. ACTA President Edna Liliana Peralta highlighted the confusion between food processing and formulation, stating, “The concept of ultra-processed is based on the idea that some processed foods have inadequate nutritional content, but processing is necessary for ensuring food safety and availability.”

Key dairy products like ultra-pasteurized milk, yogurts, and cheeses might be labeled as 'ultra-processed' due to the use of permissible additives. The resolution includes terms like 'cosmetic additives' or 'ultra-processed ingredients,' which are not recognized by international standards such as the Codex Alimentarius. This could mislead consumers and potentially harm the perception of daily staples like milk.

Economically, the proposal could lead to mandatory labeling changes, reformulations, and adjustments in production processes, adding to the financial burden on producers. ACTA pointed out that since 2021, numerous resolutions have required constant label changes, incurring high costs. Additionally, the proposed short implementation period could lead to losses from previously produced packaging.

Furthermore, if more products are classified as 'ultra-processed,' they might be subject to a 20% health tax, making everyday foods more expensive, particularly for low-income families. This contradicts the objective of improving dietary habits while placing a financial strain on households.

The dairy sector calls for the regulation to be built on scientific evidence and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. “We need to work with the government, academia, and industry to create a regulation that truly informs consumers without disrupting the entire production chain,” Peralta concluded.