Vending machines in Madeira required to stock 50% healthy products

With the aim of promoting healthy lifestyles, Regional Legislative Decree no. 5/2026/M establishes the obligation to provide healthy food products in vending machines in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The measure applies to public administration services, the public business sector, public associations, and private entities.

Implementation rules:

• Proportion: At least 50% of the machine's capacity must be occupied by products from the official list.
• Highlighting: Healthy products must be placed in a prominent position for the consumer.
• Limits: No specific product from the list may occupy more than 20% of the 50% quota reserved for healthy options.

The list of permitted products includes, among others: plain water, unsweetened milk and yogurt, natural juices, fresh fruit, raw nuts, whole grain bread, and legume or cereal snacks with low salt and sugar content. Oversight will be the responsibility of the Regional Authority for Economic Activities (ARAE). Failure to comply with these standards will be considered a serious administrative offense, with the fine regime coming into effect on January 1, 2027.