New regulations regarding meal and food vouchers in Brazil are now in effect, following the suspension of legal injunctions that had previously protected some operators in the sector. Effective from February 10, 2023, these regulations include measures that limit the fees charged by operators, ensure quicker payment transfers to establishments, and allow any card to function with any payment terminal. These changes aim to enhance transparency and competition in the food voucher industry, benefiting workers and establishments alike.

The changes are outlined in Decree No. 12,712, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on November 11, 2022. This decree affects a wide range of stakeholders: workers who benefit from the food programs, companies that hire these services, and the establishments that accept voucher payments. It sets clear limits on fees and timelines and mandates interoperability standards between different cards and payment machines, thus modernizing a program that is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.

As the reforms roll out, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on both service providers and end-users. The intention behind the measures is to create a more equitable landscape for all parties involved, providing better access and reduced costs for workers using food vouchers. These changes signal a significant shift in how meal benefit programs are managed in Brazil, ultimately aiming to improve the overall efficiency of the Programa de Alimentação do Trabalhador (PAT).