Federal Government regulates inspection of plant products.

Decree No. 12.709/25, published in today's Official Gazette of the Union, regulates the inspection of products of plant origin in Brazil. The measure directly affects rural producers. It defines new requirements regarding the quality, identity, safety, and traceability of food, beverages, and other items in the plant-based supply chain.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) will be responsible for all inspections. The regulation applies to national, exported, and imported products. Inspections may occur at any stage of production or marketing. The goal is to ensure that the final product reaches the consumer with quality and safety.

The decree considers as a product of plant origin everything that comes from the field: fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, beverages, oils, fibers, algae, fungi, and by-products with economic value. Ingredients used in animal feed are also included in the list.

Identity patterns

For producers, the regulation requires attention to identity and quality standards. This includes appearance, composition, classification, name, packaging, and labeling. Products with defects, contaminants, or that do not meet established standards may be rejected. The same applies to products that mix ingredients of plant and animal origin, when the plant ingredient is predominant.

The decree also changes how the government treats beverages. Juices, soft drinks, sodas, wines, cachaça, beers, teas, and other drinks will now follow stricter criteria. Each type of beverage will have its own rule, defined in a supplementary act by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA).

Labeling becomes a critical point. Labels must accurately inform consumers about the product's contents. It is prohibited to use terms or images that could confuse them. Products with names like "natural juice" or "coffee with guarana" can only use these terms if they actually contain those ingredients. Products sold online will also need to comply with these requirements.

Self-control program

Another important point is the self-monitoring program. All agents in the production chain must maintain records on production, quality, traceability, and product safety. Small producers and family farmers can participate voluntarily, but they should be aware that those who want to sell to the government, for example, may need to comply with these requirements.

The decree also reinforces the rules for plant classification. Products such as fruits, grains, and vegetables must be classified according to MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply) standards. This classification may be carried out by accredited companies or by trained officials, in the case of public procurement.

For winegrowers, the regulation establishes specific rules. The production of wine and its derivatives will have to respect minimum limits on grape use. The government may adjust these limits according to the harvest and producing regions.