New food safety group with wider powers

The   Panama Food Safety Authority (Aupsa) will be replaced and in its stead will be the National Service of Procedures for Food Export and Import (Senta) , with more functions and power.

Senta will watch over the plant and animal health of the country, as well as the food safety, functions performed by the Alpha. It must also ensure compliance with quotas, tariffs, and food labeling, in addition to approving export procedures. The entity will be governed by a board of directors made up of the Ministers of Agricultural Development, Health, and Commerce and Industries.