Milei's government advances in the elimination of certain synthetic colorants

The Government of Javier Milei is moving forward with a proposal to eliminate certain synthetic colorants of petrochemical origin present in candies and other ultra-processed products, due to various scientific studies linking them to harmful effects on physical and mental health.

This measure aims to restrict a resource used by the food industry to increase visual appeal and stimulate consumption of its products.

The initiative was confirmed by the Minister of Health, Mario Lugones, who indicated that his department is actively working on the issue, in coordination with the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT).

He also announced that they are analyzing which colorants could be banned in a first stage, depending on whether their use is shared within the Mercosur bloc.

In the United States, under the government of Donald Trump, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is promoting a similar project. In that country, a progressive elimination of certain colorants is planned. The process will begin with Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and will continue with Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2, all identified by their technical FD&C codes.

These changes include adaptation periods for the food industry to adjust, and in parallel, the approval of four natural origin colorants is being evaluated: calcium phosphate, Galdieria sulphuraria extract (a microalga), gardenia blue pigment, and Clitoria ternatea flower extract.

Of the eight additives that the United States plans to eliminate, six are currently allowed by the Argentine Food Code. It was revealed that the first step in the country will be to initiate a round of dialogue with industry stakeholders to analyze the scope and actual use of these colorants in the local market.

Cooperation between Argentina and the United States

The affinity between the Argentine Minister of Health, Mario Lugones, and the United States Secretary of Health, Robert Kennedy Jr., was evident during Milei's official's recent participation in the summit organized by AmCham, the chamber that groups American companies with a presence in Argentina. It was in this context that Lugones first announced the government's intention to advance in the elimination of these additives.

A few weeks ago, Lugones and Kennedy Jr. held a videoconference where they discussed health issues of common interest.

Now, the Argentine minister shared with executives of American firms established in the country that he plans to implement this initiative aligned with the one promoted by the FDA. He also confirmed that this proposal was already anticipated at the last meeting of the Federal Health Council (Cofesa).