Minister Cármen Lúcia of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) rejected a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality filed by benefit companies that contested the rate cap established by the Lula government's decree for meal and food vouchers. The case was dismissed by the reporting justice, maintaining the rules determined by the federal government as valid.
The decree of the Worker Food Program (PAT), published at the end of 2025, establishes a cap of 3.6% for the discount charged to restaurants and other establishments, limits the interchange fee to 2%, and requires that payment to establishments be made within 15 days. The rule also provides for the opening of payment arrangements that serve more than 500,000 workers.
Traditional companies in the meal benefit sector contested the government's decision and are attempting to overturn the new rules in court, both in this action at the STF and in requests filed in lower courts. So far, these attempts have not been successful, according to ongoing judicial proceedings.
