Is your company ready to comply with the new regulation?

On May 28, 2025, Nicaragua took an important step in modernizing its food regulatory framework by publishing Resolution No. 494-2024 (COMIECO-CIX) in La Gaceta No. 95. This measure formalizes the adoption of the updated Central American Technical Regulation RTCA 67.04.54:18 on Food Additives by the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MIFIC).

What’s changing?

With this resolution, the use of potassium diacetate and steviol glycosides is now authorized in several categories of processed foods, including:

• Fats and oils, and their emulsions
• Preserved fruits, vegetables, and algae
• Breads, rolls, and crackers
• Meats and meat products
• Soups, sauces, and protein products
• Ready-to-eat snacks
• Infant foods for special medical purposes

This regulatory update broadens the scope for innovation and product reformulation in line with Central American standards, creating new opportunities for the industry.

What does this mean for your operation?

While this resolution is a step forward, it also triggers a set of regulatory obligations that should be addressed proactively:

• Technical audit of your portfolio to identify affected products, especially private-label or imported goods
• Updating technical data sheets and verifying compliance with suppliers and regulatory teams

The resolution will enter into force on August 6, 2025. Companies will have 12 months (until August 5, 2026) to update product labels and sell through existing inventory of impacted products.

Opportunity or risk?

This change provides manufacturers and marketers of processed foods with a strategic opportunity to update formulations and ensure compliance with regulatory authorities. However, it also demands a meticulous review of products, labels, and suppliers.

Given this regulatory update, an internal technical assessment is recommended to identify potential impacts and ensure timely compliance.

At Dentons, our specialized team is ready to support your company throughout the process.We offer tailored solutions to help you anticipate risks, meet requirements smoothly, and operate with full confidence.

Our team is ready to assist. We are your trusted advisor.

For more information, contact:

Fabian Picado

fabian.picado@dentons.com