Senate approves rules for minimum cocoa content in chocolates, and the text goes to the President for approval.

The Brazilian Federal Senate approved, this Wednesday (15), under urgency, the bill (PL 1.769/2019) that establishes minimum percentages of cocoa in products such as chocolate and cocoa powder. Authored by Senator Zequinha Marinho (Podemos-PA), a member of the Parliamentary Agricultural Front (FPA), the proposal now goes to the President for sanction. The text defines technical parameters for the production of cocoa derivatives and determines that labels, packaging and advertising materials must inform the total percentage of cocoa present in the products, whether national or imported. The measure increases transparency for the consumer and strengthens the cocoa production chain in the country. “This project guarantees more clarity for the consumer and values the Brazilian producer. We are establishing a minimum quality standard for chocolate sold in the country, protecting both producers and consumers,” said Zequinha Marinho. The approved matter is a substitute from the Chamber of Deputies, reported in the Senate by Senator Angelo Coronel (Republicanos-BA). The original text, presented by Zequinha Marinho, had already been approved by the senators, but returned to the House after changes made by the deputies. Among the main points, the proposal establishes that chocolate must contain at least 35% total cocoa solids, with at least 18% being cocoa butter. The text also limits the addition of other vegetable fats to 5% and sets criteria for products such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, cocoa powder, and chocolate drinks. “Brazil has the potential to grow even more in cocoa production, and this regulation helps to provide legal certainty, stimulate the industry, and strengthen the entire production chain,” added the senator. ::National Production During the discussion of the matter, parliamentarians highlighted that the initiative contributes to valuing national production, especially small rural producers, in addition to stimulating job creation and reducing dependence on imports. Brazil is currently the sixth largest cocoa producer in the world, with Bahia and Pará states concentrating more than 90% of national production. According to industry data, chocolate consumption in the country has also been increasing and is now present in more than 90% of Brazilian homes. 

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.