What Happened
Health advocates in Panama demonstrated outside the National Assembly on Tuesday, April 29, to urge lawmakers to take up a bill that would require front-of-package nutritional warning labels on processed and ultra-processed foods.
The protest was organized by the Movimiento de Alimentación Saludable, whose members carried banners and posters as they called on deputies to discuss the proposal.
Why Supporters Say It Matters
Movement director Bethy Cruzado said the initiative is urgent because of the growing number of cases of childhood obesity and diabetes. She argued that stronger labeling rules are needed to help reduce diseases that affect the population, especially children.
Cruzado said the measure would be a public health advance that could help reduce chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, while also sending a clear message that children’s well-being should be a priority.
Health Data Behind the Debate
According to Panama’s Ministry of Health, by December 2024 nearly 72% of adults over 18 were overweight, and 35.3% were obese. Among minors, the ministry reported an excess-weight prevalence of 28%, including 10% obesity.
Those figures have intensified calls for policies that make it easier for consumers to identify products with high levels of stimulants, sweeteners, calories, trans fats and saturated fats.
Next Steps in the Assembly
The delegation was received in the Assembly by Vamos deputy Miguel Campos, who said he would meet with colleagues on the Health Commission to review the proposal.
The bill was introduced on July 25, 2024, and seeks to establish warning labels that would help consumers better understand what is in the packaged foods they buy.
Panama would be joining a group of countries in the region that have already adopted similar systems, including Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela.
For now, the initiative remains in the hands of legislators, while public health advocates continue to push for debate and action.