Labeling of ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables sold in Brazil / Rotulagem de vegetais minimamente processados prontos para consumo comercializados no Brasil

Introduction: Ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables (RTE-MPV) are vegetables subjected to several steps that modify their natural structure, while maintaining the same freshness and nutritional quality as the fresh produce. Since these products are sold in packages, they must be labeled, even though nutritional labeling is optional. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the labeling aspects of several brands of RTE-MPV sold in Brazil, determining whether manufacturers adhered to the different types of food labeling legislation. Method: Photographic records of RTE-MPV packages were obtained in different regions of Brazil between October 2020 and August 2021, and labels were analyzed using a checklist that was prepared according to the different types of Brazilian food labeling legislation in force at the time of the study: RDC nº 259/2002, RDC nº 359/2003, RDC nº 360/2003 and Law nº 10,674/2003. Results: The labels of 288 RTE-MPV packages, belonging to 39 brands, were analyzed. Among these, 31 brands showed at least one aspect that was not in accordance with the legislation, such as the lack of information about place of origin, and the presence or absence of gluten. Although optional, most brands (38) adopted nutritional labeling, but the information was incomplete in ten of them. Conclusion: These data indicate that there are flaws in the labeling of RTE-MPV in Brazil, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to comply with the legislation. Moreover, the optional adoption of nutritional labeling by most brands is significantly important for consumers to have additional information about what they consume. (AU)

Introdução: Os vegetais minimamente processados (VMP) são submetidos a etapas que modificam sua estrutura natural, mantendo o frescor e qualidade nutricional dos produtos frescos. Por serem comercializados embalados, esses produtos devem ser rotulados, embora a rotulagem nutricional seja opcional. Objetivo: Este estudo analisou a rotulagem de diferentes marcas de VMP comercializados no Brasil, a fim de determinar a aderência dos produtores às legislações relativas à rotulagem de alimentos. Método: Foram obtidos registros fotográficos de embalagens VMP comercializados em diferentes regiões do Brasil entre outubro de 2020 e agosto de 2021, e os rótulos foram analisados por meio de um checklist elaborado com base nas legislações brasileiras de rotulagem de alimentos vigentes no período em que o estudo foi realizado: RDC nº 259/2002, RDC nº 359/2003, RDC nº 360/2003 e Lei nº 10.674/2003. Resultados: Foram analisados os rótulos de 288 embalagens de VMP, pertencentes a 39 marcas. Dentre essas, 31 marcas apresentaram pelo menos um item que não estava de acordo com as legislações de rotulagem vigentes, como falta de informação sobre o local de origem e a presença ou ausência de glúten. Apesar de opcional, a maioria das marcas (38) adotou a rotulagem nutricional, mas em dez delas as informações estavam incompletas. Conclusão: Esses dados indicam falhas na rotulagem de VMP no Brasil, enfatizando a necessidade das empresas de cumprirem essas regulamentações. Além disso, a adoção opcional da rotulagem nutricional pela maioria das marcas tem grande importância, pois fornece informações adicionais aos consumidores sobre os produtos que consomem. (AU)

School Dietitians' Use of Processed and Packaged Foods in Incheon / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate school dietitians' use of processed and packaged foods in Incheon. This study was carried out through a questionnaire and the subjects were 203 school dietitians in Incheon. The results are summarized as follows. Dairy product was the processed and packaged food used most frequently by the subjects for school lunch. Most subjects used processed and packaged foods for school lunch once or twice per week The first criteria for their choosing processed and packaged foods was manufacturing company. Also major reason for their using processed and packaged foods for school lunch was saving cooking time, easy purchase, hygienical packing and less garbage. The most common information source on processed and packaged foods for school lunch was promotion of food company. The subjects checked labelling of processed and packaged foods in order of open-date, manufacturer, origin of product, nutrition facts, ingredients and food additives. Some results were significantly different among the subjects by employment school, type of meal management and cost per meal. For children and adolescents' nutrition and well-being through school lunch, it is necessary to prepare a database of the processed and packaged foods and education program concerning nutrition labelling and food safety.

School Dietitians' Perception on Nutrition Labelling of the Processed and Packaged Foods in Incheon / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate school dietitians' perception on nutrition labelling of processed and packaged foods in the Incheon area. This study was carried out through a self-administered questionnaire and the subjects were 203 school dietitians. The results were summarized as follows. Most of the subjects checked nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods when they purchased these foods for school lunch. However, the main reason for their checking nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods was not for nutrition but for food safety. There were significant differences in the subjects' understanding and trust on nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods by employment school. The scores of the subjects' satisfaction, understanding and trust on nutrition labeling of processed and packaged foods were not high. There were significant differences in the subjects' perception and concern about content information on nutrition labeling of domestic processed and packaged foods by employment school. Most of the subjects answered that it is almost necessary or very necessary to implement nutrition labelling of processed and packaged foods. Also their most preferred method of nutrition labelling was to label nutrient content. As the most important nutrient and functional component necessary for nutrition labelling, they answered energy, mineral such as calcium and iron, protein, total fat, cholesterol, vitamin, sodium and dietary fiber in order. As the major prerequisite task for the implementation of nutrition labelling, they answered formulation of nutrition labelling-related rules, and education and motivation for consumer, Therefore, it is necessary to activate the mandatory nutrition labelling of the processed and packaged foods and to prepare its consumer education program for school dietitian.