Food allowance: Non-compliance with new rules can generate fines

The Federal Government announced changes in vouchers related to food at the end of March. The new rules for food stamps and meal vouchers are recent changes that you should pay attention to, as non-compliance with the measures can result in fines of up to R$50,000.

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Food vouchers and meal vouchers can only be spent on the worker's food

Until then, many workers used part of the voucher money for other items, such as services, for example. However, in the view of the federal government, this is a deviation from purpose. Therefore, the improper use of vouchers may generate fines of R$ 5,000 to R$ 50,000. In addition, double the amount of the fine is foreseen in cases of recidivism.

Fines may also be applied to establishments

Establishments that sell products not related to food or that interfere with the inspection of compliance with the new standard may also be fined. So, if you are a worker who receives vouchers or own an establishment that accepts this type of payment, stay tuned!

Vouchers cannot be exchanged with each other.

Another change is that, from now on, it will not be possible to exchange the values ​​of the meal ticket for the food ticket and vice versa. Thus, the meal ticket should only be used for the purchase of ready-to-eat meals in snack bars, takeaways, restaurants and other establishments of this nature.

On the other hand, food stamps should only be used for the purchase of food items in grocery stores, supermarkets and other such businesses. That is, each voucher must be used only for its specific purpose.

No discounts for companies

From now on, employers will not be able to obtain discounts from food and meal voucher providers. This is because, according to the Government, the cost of these discounts ends up being passed on to the places that sell food and end up falling on the worker.

More establishments

Another novelty brought by the new norms is that workers will be able to use the vouchers in more places. With that, in addition to using them outside a pre-defined network of establishments, they will also have the Mastercard and Visa flags.

When will the new measures take effect?

There is a deadline for all companies participating in the Worker's Food Program (PAT) to implement the changes. Thus, companies have until May 2023 to comply with the measures provided for in the Decree and the Provisional Measure that were approved.