Entre Ríos court bans school food with warning labels

The Judiciary of Entre Ríos has ordered the provincial government to stop distributing industrial food products containing warning labels or precautionary legends during school breakfasts and snacks. The ruling, issued by Judge Juan Francisco Malvasio, follows a collective injunction filed by families, the AGMER teachers' union, and the CAUCE Foundation. The decision aims to enforce Article 12 of National Law No. 27,642, which promotes healthy eating.

The conflict arose from a government decree that centralized food procurement through Teknofood S.A., replacing a previous system that allowed schools to purchase fresh, local products. Plaintiffs argued that the new industrial products, such as the 'Abanderado' brand, contained octagonal warning seals.

The Superior Court of Justice of Entre Ríos recently rejected an appeal by the State Prosecutor's Office, upholding the injunction. While the ruling prevents the distribution of labeled products, the provincial government stated that the decision does not cancel the current tender or the centralized procurement model itself. Officials noted they will implement necessary adjustments to comply with the ruling while continuing the transformation of the food supply system to improve traceability and control.