Adequação da rotulagem de alimentos: nova legislação

Abstract

Objective: Labeling is the main communication tool between manufacturers and consumers, and it is crucial to present all the necessary information, in order to Make customers aware of the products they are consuming. In the face of recent legislative changes to the requirements for the description of information on the labels of foods, the aim of this study was to assess the compliance of vegan product labels and plant-based, according to the new Brazilian regulatory parameters. Methodology: The study was conducted in an observational, descriptive and quantitative manner in 10 establishments located in the city of Campo Grande, MS.The evaluation of labels followed the guidelines established by RDC No. 429, RDC No. 727 and IN No. 75. Findings: Of the 118 products analyzed, it was found that 87% had no conformities on your labels. Despite this, all products contained essentials information, such as sales denomination, list of ingredients and liquid content. The analysis revealed that most of the products do not comply with the new legislation, highlighting the urgent need for adequacy of information on labels. In addition, it was identified a gap in the current legislation, which does not specifically categorize products vegan and plant-based, which can cause confusion for consumers. Originality: The original contribution of this study lies in the evidence of the lack of Compliance of plant-based food labels, in accordance with regulations in force. The research highlights the urgency of adaptations in labels and proposes the creation of a specific legislation for vegan and plant-based products, in order to prevent confusion arising from the absence of a clear categorization of these products in the current legal context. Keywords: Consumers, Legislation; Plant-based, vegan products