Rotulagem de produtos destinados a lactentes e crianças de primeira infância

Abstract

The food label is the primary source of information for consumers, however it may be used to attract the consumer and influence him at the time of the product purchase. This study proposes to verify the adequacy of infant formulas labeling, processed cereal-based food for infants and/or children in early childhood, as well as powder soybean-based food, marketed in the retail market of Brasília/DF. The study was held in the year of 2009, in which were analyzed 51 food labels, classified in the following categories: 18 infant formula labels, 16 cereal food indicated to infants and/or children in early childhood and 18 powder soybean-based food labels. Among the specific information for the labeling of baby food, it was found that 100% of the infant formulas showed pictures of bottles to demonstrate the food dilution. It was also observed that 100% of the cereal-based food given to infants and/or children in early childhood showed not allowed pictures, drawings or graphics representations. Powder soybean-based food presented changes on the Health Ministry warning at 100% of the evaluated food. The infant formula presented the highest percentage gaps for specific information. Among the general information for food labeling, it was verified that the main gaps were related to the liquid content, within the food sale designation and batch number. The nutritional information was presented in conformity in 95,8% of the infant formulas and in 93,3% of the powder soybean-based food. The labeling of food for infants and/or children in early childhood and powder soybean-based food showed several irregularities for the specific labeling. These irregularities may interfere directly in the breastfeeding. It is necessary that baby food producing companies get suited to Brazilian legislation and that the responsible government department supervises and monitors more closely the labeling practice of children consumed food.