Rotulagem frontal e alegações nutricionais em alimentos ultraprocessados com apelo infantil.

Abstract

This study analyzed the presence, compliance, and public health implications of front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) and nutrition claims (NC) in ultra-processed foods (UPF) with child-directed marketing sold in Brazil. A total of 144 products were evaluated, classified into seven categories, and examined for the application of warning labels, regulatory compliance of NC, and borderline nutrient concentrations for label activation. Results showed widespread use of child-appeal marketing in nutritionally poor products, especially sweets, chocolates, and cookies. More than half of the items displayed warning labels, primarily for added sugar. Evidence of “regulatory fine-tuning” was observed, in which formulations are minimally adjusted to remain just below regulatory thresholds, thereby avoiding mandatory warnings without improving nutritional quality. Moreover, categories such as sugary beverages, breakfast cereals, and dairy products exhibited high frequencies of NC, often at minimum required levels, indicating a predominantly marketing-driven purpose. The coexistence of warning labels and positive NC, although limited overall, was notably high among breakfast cereals. These findings suggest that industry practices — including minimal fortification, strategic use of NC, and exploitation of child-oriented packaging — undermine the effectiveness of FOPNL and may mislead caregivers, increasing children's exposure to critical nutrients and contributing to unhealthy dietary patterns.