(P21-011-23) Regulatory Coherence Through National Data of Food Additives Used by the Food Industry in Countries With Front-Page-Package Warning Labels

Objectives: The aim of this study consisted in collecting and analyzing quantitative data of Chilean food industry behavior regarding to the consumption of food and beverage with sweeteners in children, due to the new requirements of front-of-page-package warning labels

Methods: 151 samples of food for children under 12 years old were taken in supermarkets from Santiago, Chile. The samples were classified in 6 categories: Cereal, Beverages / Flavors Waters / Nectar, Milk, Yogurt, Dessert and Confectionery Products. The sweetener multi-residue methodology is used, wich is performed LC/MSMS and considering as a backup methodology by LC/DAD-IR. The surveillance result were sent to the Food Safety Authority (EFSA); and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) of Germany, to carry out an exposure assessment of the Chilean population, using FAO/OMS Methodology.

Results: 12.3% of samples do not accomplish with the maximum levels fixed by the Codex Alimentarius. 34,4% of the cereals and 33.3% of the confectionery products category do not match with the nutritional label and 25% of beverage/ flavored waters/ nectars category showed 2 or more sweeteners in it. The result of the dietary exposure assessment is presented at a formal risk communication event and a final report must be established including risk management decisions.

Conclusions: The results of the surveillance reveal the consequences of the lack of regulation regarding the implementation of front-page-package warning labels. This deregulation is addressed first by expanding the technological alternatives to traditional sweeteners, with legal certainty of their use in foods without "HIGH in SUGAR" labels, and second a national food categorization systems adjusted to the cultural reality of food production in Chile was developed. The European Union and FDA regulations are incorporated into the Technical Standard for Food Additives that was presented in public consultation. The systematization of risk management actions established in this study will allow Latin American countries, that have imitated and adapted the Chilean labeling law, harmonize effectivelly according to the regulatory environment.

Funding Sources: Bidding bases approved by exempt resolution N 1114 of August 23, 2018 (ID 757-88-LE18), Exempt resolution 1675 of November 16, 2018 with budget of the Ministry of Health of Chile.