Food and meal vouchers: new rules apply from Tuesday (10)

The measures were introduced through a decree signed by the Lula government last November.

published 10/02/2026 at 17:22

The Worker’s Food Program (PAT) underwent a series of changes last November aimed at increasing transparency, competition, and integrity in the sector.

Some of these measures, which are another achievement of the Lula government, come into effect this Tuesday (10). Now, the discount rate (MDR) charged to supermarkets and restaurants by operators cannot exceed 3.6%. The interchange fee has a ceiling of 2%, with any additional charges prohibited.

In addition, the transfer of money to establishments must occur within 15 calendar days after the transaction. Until then, restaurants and similar establishments received the amounts 30 days after the transactions.

Already in effect with the signing of the decree were protection rules, prohibiting abusive commercial practices such as discounts, indirect benefits, deadlines incompatible with prepaid transfers, and financial advantages unrelated to food.

The new PAT (Worker’s Food Program) regulations have already been challenged in court by the largest food and meal voucher companies in the country, which obtained injunctions suspending inspections or the application of penalties.

According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), “for now, they are protected from sanctions for non-compliance with the rules on rates and deadlines, but they are not exempt from the other obligations of the decree and the PAT.”

“It is essential that all companies adjust their operations to comply with the new regulations, including those that have injunctions.

The injunctions do not suspend the validity of the decree as a whole, nor do they extend its effects to other companies. The decree is fully in force and must be fully complied with. The obligation to observe the new rules, such as the rate ceiling and settlement deadlines, is immediate for the entire market,” according to the ministry.

The changes to the program benefit more than 22 million workers, who will have greater freedom of choice and better acceptance of the cards. The decree also brings balance to companies and establishments, ensuring that the resources are used exclusively for food.

Created in 1976, the PAT (Worker’s Food Program) is the oldest public policy of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. The program has 327,000 registered companies and reaches 22.1 million workers throughout the country.

Another change will take effect on May 10th, with the transition from the current system, in which the food voucher or meal voucher card can only be used in establishments accredited by a single operator, to a new arrangement in which the benefit can be accepted in different payment terminals and establishments, regardless of the issuing company or brand.

In November, 360 days after the signing of the decree, full interoperability of the system is expected, when any PAT card should be accepted in any payment terminal in Brazil.