Brazil's Ministry of Labor notifies 100+ companies over PAT irregularities

The Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), through the Secretariat of Labor Inspection, has notified over 100 companies for deviations regarding the Worker Food Program (PAT). The enforcement action targeted 74 beneficiary companies, 12 facilitators acting as intermediaries, and 29 accredited commercial establishments, such as restaurants and supermarkets.

The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with legal limits concerning transaction fees, payment transfer deadlines, and the intended use of funds for worker nutrition. This follows a 2025 regulatory decree that capped the fees charged to restaurants by meal and food voucher providers at a maximum of 3.6%.

The MTE stated that these actions seek to preserve the purpose of food benefits, prevent practices that reduce resources available to workers, and ensure transparency and balance between beneficiary companies, facilitators, and accredited merchants.