Conformidade da porção expressa nos rótulos de produtos industrializados com a legislação de rotulagem nutricional : porção expressa nos rótulos de produtos industrializados

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the conformity of portion size described on the labels of processed products according to references established by laws. Methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study analyzing 384 foods in a supermarket at Natal/RN. The products were divided into 8 groups and 49 subgroups according to the table portions attached to the RDC 359/2003. The data analysis was descriptive, consisting of mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of portion sizes (g or mL), divided by subgroups. For energy, it was analyzed the mean and the standard deviation per portion (Kcal) declared on the labels. It also assessed the adequacy percentage (%) of food groups in the portion size and energy value. Results: The labels of processed products showed 88% of adequacy as to the portion size and 38.8% as to the energy value, when compared to the values established by laws. According to the coefficient of variation (CV), it was observed that the portions sizes described on the labels showed very different amounts of the recommendations. Conclusions: It is important to intensify inspection of nutrition labeling in accordance with specific laws in order to identify gaps and provide reliability to the information provided to consumers. It was found in this analysis processed food that has no classification in the DRC 359/2003, it is suggested to define portion sizes and energy values for these foods for reference to the consumer at the time of purchase.