The obesity issue

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Brazilian politicians try to bring back CONSEA

By Niamh Michail

Brazilian politicians are trying to bring back the National Council of Food and Nutrition Security (CONSEA), suspending a provisional measure introduced by President Jair Bolsonaro that disbanded it.

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ConMéxico: 'This confirms the label is correct, truthful and transparent'

Mexican Supreme Court ruling backs SEFAB nutrition label

By Niamh Michail

Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice has ruled the country’s nutrition label, SEFAB, is constitutional and respects the public’s right to food, health and information, a decision welcomed by the food industry but decried by civil society.

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Is ultra-processed food addictive for children?

By Stephen Daniells

In a small cohort of overweight children, almost 25% were diagnosed with food addition, says a new study from Brazil. Among the factors associated with this diagnosis was a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods.

© Buho Soda

Mexican start-up carves out niche in craft soda category

By Niamh Michail

Búho Soda is Mexico's first all-natural, low-sugar soft drink made using locally-sourced ingredients, according to its manufacturer - and inspiration came from the country's booming craft beer movement, the start-up founder says.

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LATAM needs stricter salt reduction targets: study

By Niamh Michail

Most packaged food products in Latin America are meeting regional salt reduction targets, according to a first-of-its-kind survey - but this is probably because the targets were set too high, researchers say.

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Ingredion launches allulose for the Americas

By Stephen Daniells

Ingredient giant Ingredion has partnered with Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. to bring the rare sugar allulose to the Americas and aid sugar reduction efforts for food and beverage manufacturers.

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News in brief

Colombia approves non-GMO Reb D stevia from Sweegen-Ingredion

By Stephen Daniells

The Colombian Secretary of State for Agriculture and Procurement (SEAB) has approved non-GMO Reb D sweetener derived from the stevia leaf for use as a tabletop sweetener and added to food and beverages.

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Layn has high hopes for monk fruit for sugar reduction across LATAM

By Stephen Daniells

As consumers across LATAM increasingly seek out low- or no-sugar alternatives to their favorite food and beverages, Layn is excited by the potential of the region and expects to introduce new sweeteners as and when regulatory approval is attained.