Avaliação da rotulagem de pães integrais comercializados em supermercados nos municípios de Lagarto e Itabaiana/SE

Abstract

Food product labeling is a crucial step in communication between industry and consumers, and must be clear and precise according to the Consumer Protection Code. With the increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, the need for changes in eating habits has been seen, promoting increased consumption of healthier foods, including whole-wheat bread. However, in Brazil there was a gap in the regulation of whole-wheat foods, which was noted and standardized by ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the information contained on the labels of whole-wheat breads complies with current legislation. This is a cross-sectional observational study, in which labels of breads claiming to be whole-wheat and sold in supermarkets in the cities of Lagarto and Itabaiana/SE were analyzed using pre-structured forms, followed by tabulation and statistical analysis of the data obtained. The study sought to evaluate criteria established according to the following resolutions: No. 727 of 2022, which deals with the general labeling of packaged foods; No. 429 of 2020, which establishes nutritional labeling requirements; and No. 712 of 2022, which standardizes the composition and labeling requirements of whole foods. The sample consisted of 17 bread labels claiming to be whole grain; 11 of these were found in two supermarkets in the city of Lagarto and another 6 in a wholesale chain in the city of Itabaiana. However, some brands were duplicated, leading the study to a total sample of 12 different brands. Among the samples found, only 8.33% (n=1) met all the requirements according to current legislation, while 91.67% (n=11) presented one or more requirements that did not comply with current legislation. It is expected that the results of this study will contribute to better dissemination of information and public policies in Brazil regarding food labeling, with an emphasis on whole-grain packaged foods.