Text will still be analyzed in the Chamber; There may be exceptions as long as the health unit presents a justification
The Senate’s (Social Affairs Committee) approved the , which prohibits the supply of ultra-processed foods to hospitalized patients. The vote was held on Wednesday (25th March 2026). The text establishes standards to ensure healthy eating within the (National Food and Nutrition Security System).
The senator (PL-AL) presented the proposal. The senator (MDB-PE) was the rapporteur and gave a favorable opinion to the project. As the approval was final, the text goes to , if there is no appeal from senators for voting in the plenary.
JUSTIFICATION
The initiative is based on the damage that ultra-processed products cause to health. These foods have low nutritional quality. They have high concentrations of sugars, fats and sodium, as well as additives such as coloring, flavoring and preservatives.
“Ultra-processed foods have already been extensively studied and are, scientifically, proven, oncogenic: they have the capacity to cause cancer. And what we have seen on a daily basis is that there is still a supply of these foods in some hospitals. But ‘some hospitals’, for us doctors, is a lot”, said Senator Dr. Eudócia.
The published list of foods classified as ultra-processed. These include cookies, ice cream, cakes, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, foods and seasonings. “snapshots”packaged snacks, soft drinks and chocolate drinks. The list also includes sweetened dairy drinks, energy drinks, meat, chicken or vegetable flavored broths, ready-made sauces and ready-to-eat frozen foods. Breads that contain substances such as hydrogenated vegetable fat, sugar and other chemical additives are also part of the list.
EXPECTED EXCEPTIONS
Senator Fernando Dueire made changes to the original text. The change allows exceptions upon medical justification. Specific situations may require the use of these foods. Examples include lack of appetite in preoperative periods, acute illnesses and episodes of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.
“In these cases, offering small portions of more palatable foods with higher caloric density, including ultra-processed foods, can help ensure minimum energy intake and prevent worsening of nutritional status”, he stated.
The measure applies to hospitalized patients throughout the national territory. The implementation of the law, if definitively approved, will have national scope.
This text was originally published by at 5:50 pm on March 25, 2026 and adapted for publication by Poder360.
