Adequação da rotulagem frontal de produtos Dirty Label: nova legislação brasileira

Abstract

Food labeling is a crucial tool to ensure effective communication between manufacturers, products, and consumers. In Brazil, food labeling regulations have been updated to improve the clarity of information provided to consumers. Dirty label foods are foods that have large amounts of nutrients that are undesirable for consumers' health in their formulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of front-of-pack and nutritional labels of dirty label products available on the market regarding the new legislation being implemented in the country. The study was conducted in an observational and descriptive manner by analyzing 96 samples of different brands sold in markets in Campo Grande, MS. The evaluation of the labels followed the guidelines established by Collegiate Board Resolution (RDC) No. 429/2020 and No. 727/2022 and Normative Instruction (IN) No. 75/2020. Of the total labels analyzed, it was found that 60.4% presented full compliance in their labels. Among the non-conformities, the nutritional information table and the list of ingredients are not on the same side of 17.71% of the labels; the serving size declared on the packaging is not in accordance with 15.63% of the labels; the number of servings declared on the packaging is not in accordance with 15.63% of the labels; and 14.58% of the labels contain a nutritional information table that is not in accordance with the standards). In addition, the analysis revealed that 61.5% of the products have the minimum amount of added sugar and saturated fat required for front-of-package labeling. Despite the long period for adjustment to the new standards, a high percentage of products in non-compliance with the new legislation in force was observed, which highlights the need for corrective measures to ensure that there are no irregular products on the market, thus protecting consumer rights.