Decree No. 697/2026: Reorganization of Food Control and Inspection Responsibilities

Argentina's Executive Decree No. 697/2026 reorganizes the National Food Control System and modifies the allocation of responsibilities for food registration, sanitary control and inspection. The reform concentrates operational food registration, control and inspection functions, including food import controls, within the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA), with the objective of reducing institutional overlaps, simplifying procedures and making use of SENASA's nationwide inspection infrastructure, laboratories and technical personnel. The Decree modifies provisions governing the National Food Control System, expands recognition by equivalence of certifications covering food additives, processing aids, ingredients and other inputs used in food manufacturing when originating in countries with recognized food-control systems or evaluated in accordance with Codex Alimentarius standards, and establishes simplified import procedures. It also strengthens the Single Database of food establishments and products, to be administered by SENASA and updated by competent sanitary authorities, and modifies procedures related to updating the Argentine Food Code. The reform further seeks to facilitate food trade by introducing post-entry controls for certain imported foods packaged for direct retail sale and by simplifying export certification while maintaining applicable sanitary and food-safety requirements. The Ministry of Health retains sanitary-policy leadership and participation in updating the Argentine Food Code, while SENASA assumes broader operational inspection responsibilities.