Avaliação de rotulagem de alimentos para lactentes e crianças de primeira infância no município de São Bento-MA

Abstract

Breast milk is considered the most necessary and appropriate food for the baby due to its bioactive substances. With the advent of food labels for infants and young children, the importance of the information conveyed on the labeling becomes even more relevant, considering that inadequacies in acquisition can lead to losses in nutritional quality. The objective was to evaluate the adequacy of the labeling of foods aimed at infants and young children sold in the municipality of São Bento. This is a field study using a checklist based on the regulations established by RDC's N° 429 and N° 727. It was found that all products showed at least some non-compliance. Regarding the presence of improper items, the declaration of the presence or absence of components obtained a higher percentage. In relation to general and nutritional labeling, the biggest irregularities were the declaration of the new formula, warning about the use of additives and information from the nutritional table declaration, with UHT milk drink, infant formula and milk flour being examples of these products with non-conformities. The data obtained in this study demonstrate the importance of adopting food labeling legislation and points to the need for more efficient control from the competent bodies, since irregularities end up inducing consumers to take home a deceived product