Call to stop new ultra-processed food seal and warning of government regulatory overreach
Ultra-processed foods with excess sugar Photo: Valentina Delgadillo - Portafolio
TL;DR
- The Excelencia en la Justicia Corporation (CEJ) requests the Ministry of Health to stop the "ULTRAPROCESADO" warning label project.
- CEJ claims the initiative exceeds governmental regulatory powers and could create legal, regulatory, and economic risks for Colombia.
- The organization argues the Ministry is expanding regulation beyond the scope authorized by Law 2120 of 2021, potentially usurping Congress's legislative role.
- CEJ warns that the resolution could face legal challenges and lawsuits if enacted.
- The proposed label is considered redundant and disproportionate, as Colombia already has four warning seals.
- The technical and scientific basis of the Nova classification for ultra-processed foods is questioned due to a lack of global technical consensus.
- CEJ emphasizes that health policy objectives should not override constitutional limits and legal competencies.