ANVISA Compliance Calculator for Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels and GMO Symbols Use this FREE TOOL to precisely size front-of-pack nutrition labels and GMO symbols.

The size of the front-of-pack nutrition label (the “ALTO EM” magnifying-glass symbol) depends directly on the main display panel area of the packaging (the label face visible at the point of sale) and the number of nutrients present in excess (added sugars, saturated fat and/or sodium). The standard provides tables with fixed height-to-width ratios and requires a minimum coverage area to ensure visibility for consumers.

• Applicable Legislation:
  • Normative Instruction IN No. 75/2020 (ANVISA): Sets the technical requirements for nutrition labeling, including the models, layouts and exact dimensions of the front-of-pack label (Annex XVII).
  • Resolution RDC No. 429/2020 (ANVISA): Approved the new nutrition labeling regulations for packaged foods.
• Official Links:
  • ANVISA Nutrition Labeling Library
  • Normative Instruction IN 75/2020 on the LegisWeb/ANVISA Portal

The yellow triangle symbol with a black “T” must be printed on the main packaging panel whenever the food or ingredient contains or is produced from a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) at a level above 1% (one percent) of the product. The symbol’s size must preserve the graphic proportions between the height of the letter “T”, the inner margins and the base of the triangle.

• Applicable Legislation:
  • Decree No. 4,680/2003: Regulates the right to information about foods and food ingredients containing or produced from genetically modified organisms.
  • MAPA Ordinance No. 2,658/2003 (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock): Defines the standardized GMO symbol and the formal rules for its visual application on labels.
• Official Links:
  • Decree No. 4,680/2003 on the Planalto website
  • GMO guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

Under the updated ANVISA rules, the Nutrition Facts Table and Ingredient List must be printed in legible characters, using black text on a white background. The minimum body text size for the nutrition facts table is 1 mm (or approximately 6 pt in vector artwork), while table titles and the main panel require larger proportions for easier reading.

• Applicable Legislation:
  • RDC No. 429/2020 (ANVISA): Articles on legibility, contrast standards and formatting of tables and ingredient lists.
  • IN No. 75/2020 (ANVISA): Annexes XII to XVI (table models and formal visual formatting rules).
• Official Links:
  • Food Nutrition Labeling Guide (ANVISA)

For packaging with a main display panel area of no more than 100 cm², the legislation provides exceptions and simplified models for the Nutrition Facts Table and front-of-pack label (reduced proportions). However, if the product exceeds the limits for added sugars, saturated fat or sodium, the “ALTO EM” warning is still required, using the reduced-size models specified by the standard.

• Applicable Legislation:
  • RDC No. 429/2020 (ANVISA): Article 11 and provisions on small packaging and reduced legibility.
  • IN No. 75/2020 (ANVISA): Dimensions table for smaller panels.
• Official Links:
  • Nutrition Labeling Questions and Answers – ANVISA

Beyond commercial appeal and visual design for sales, food label creation requires millimeter-level precision in technical health standards. Errors in front-of-pack label proportions, GMO symbol dimensions, color contrast or font size can lead to ANVISA notices, fines, seizure of product batches and packaging reprint costs.

• Applicable Legislation:
  • Law No. 6,437/1977: Defines violations of federal health legislation and establishes the penalties applicable to noncompliant labels.
  • Law No. 8,078/1990 (Consumer Protection Code): Articles 6 and 31 (the right to clear and adequate product information).
• Official Links:
  • Law No. 6,437/1977 on Health Violations – Planalto