Qualitative and quantitative analysis of formaldehyde in samples of hair straighteners and suitability of the labels

Formaldehyde is an active compound, irregularly used in hair products, that has the property of straighten and waterproofing the wires. However, it is highly toxic and can stimulate dermatological hypersensitivity and cancer. In this context it is of fundamental importance the inspection of these products that can be used in safe conditions for the consumer, without formaldehyde in concentrations higher than the allowed. Thus, the aim of this research was the qualitative and quantitative identification formaldehyde in samples of hair straighteners that was obtained by donation in the beauty salons of Araraquara-SP. In addition, the analysis of the packaging labels of the products tested were conducted, following the requirements of the national legislation - RDC 07/2015 which defines the mandatory labeling standards for cosmetic products. A qualitative analysis for formaldehyde identification is based on the formation of a purple colored complex. The quantitative analysis was performed by spectrophotometry. The qualitative and quantitative formaldehyde analysis methods were applied to 13 bottles of hair straighteners. When submitted to qualitative analysis, all samples showed formaldehyde presence. The quantitative analysis demonstrated that the samples identified as B, C, D, E, G, H, I, J and M presented formaldehyde concentration of 3.5 to 14.5%, which is above of the limit recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), of 0.2%. In the label analysis, in all samples were found irregularities.(AU)

Regulatory framework for dietary supplements and the public health challenge / Marco regulatório dos suplementos alimentares e o desafio à saúde pública

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The new regulatory framework for dietary supplements in Brazil prompted this analysis of the current outlook of these products and the challenges posed by the new guidelines. METHODS We conducted a qualitative, observational and descriptive study of dietary supplements commercialized in Brazilian online stores with the help of the Google® search tool. We considered the ingredients on the labels, the effects attributed to these products and the commercial claims used as a means of promoting them to assess the necessary changes for the legal framework in the new guidelines. Finally, with the help of a database, we compared the effects declared by the manufacturers and attributed to certain ingredients with the scientific evidence described in literature. RESULTS In total, we purchased 44 dietary supplements from Brazilian online stores (n = 7). Of the samples studied, 34.2% could not be classified in the category Dietary Supplements, as recommended by the new regulation of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency due to the presence of prohibited substances; 16% of products should be commercialized as medicines. Regarding the commercial appeals, 97.7% had banned expressions. Numerous claims of effects attributed to certain products were characterized as consumer fraud because they have no scientific evidence. CONCLUSIONS The necessary changes represent a major regulatory and production challenge due to the wide range of dietary supplements and markets, an effort that aims to protect the consumers' health. Some previous gaps in the regulatory framework were not fully solved.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O novo marco regulatório para os suplementos alimentares no Brasil instigou a presente análise do panorama atual desses produtos e os desafios impostos pelas novas diretrizes. MÉTODOS Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, observacional e descritivo dos suplementos alimentares comercializados em lojas virtuais brasileiras, com o auxílio da ferramenta de busca Google®. Os ingredientes declarados nos rótulos, bem como os efeitos atribuídos a esses produtos e as alegações comerciais utilizadas como forma de promovê-los foram levados em consideração a fim de avaliarmos as mudanças necessárias para o enquadramento legal nas novas diretrizes. Por fim, com o auxílio de base de dados, foram comparados os efeitos declarados pelos fabricantes e atribuídos a determinados ingredientes com as evidências científicas descritas na literatura. RESULTADOS No total, foram adquiridos 44 suplementos alimentares provenientes de lojas virtuais brasileiras (n = 7). Das amostras estudadas, 34,2% não poderiam ser enquadradas na categoria Suplementos Alimentares, conforme preconiza a nova regulação da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, em decorrência de presença de substâncias não permitidas; 16% dos produtos deveriam ser comercializados como medicamentos. Quanto aos apelos comerciais, 97,7% apresentavam expressões não permitidas. Inúmeras alegações de efeitos atribuídos a determinados produtos, por não possuírem comprovação científica, foram caracterizadas como fraude contra o consumidor. CONCLUSÕES Dada a extensa gama de suplementos alimentares e pontos de comercialização, as mudanças necessárias representam um grande desafio regulatório e de produção, esforço este que visa a proteger a saúde dos consumidores. Algumas lacunas previamente existentes ao marco regulatório ainda não foram totalmente solucionadas.

Hacia el consumo informado de tabaco en México: efecto de las advertencias con pictogramas en población fumadora / Towards informed tobacco consumption in Mexico: effect of pictorial warning labels in smokers

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de las advertencias sanitarias (AS) con pictogramas en las cajetillas de tabaco en adultos fumadores. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte de fumadores con representatividad poblacional de siete ciudades mexicanas, antes (2010) y después (2011) de la implementación de AS con pictogramas (ASP). Para determinar el cambio en las variables sobre el impacto cognitivo y conductual de las advertencias, se estimaron modelos bivariados y ajustados de ecuaciones de estimación generalizada. En el segundo levantamiento (2011), se estimaron modelos para determinar los factores que se asocian con el reporte de recordar cada advertencia que había entrado al mercado, además de los factores asociados con el autorreporte del impacto de cada advertencia vigente. RESULTADOS: Se observaron incrementos importantes de 2010 a 2011 en los conocimientos sobre los riesgos de fumar, los componentes tóxicos del tabaco y el número telefónico para recibir consejos sobre dejar de fumar. La recordación e impacto de las primeras advertencias con pictogramas parecen ser amplios y equitativos a través de la población fumadora. En comparación con 2010, un mayor nivel de ex fumadores entrevistados en 2011 reportaron que las advertencias habían influido mucho en dejar de fumar (RM=2.44, 95% IC 1.27-4.72). CONCLUSIONES: Las AS con pictogramas han logrado un impacto importante en el conocimiento y conducta, información relevante para la población y en tomadores de decisiones.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of the first pictorial warning labels on cigarette packs in Mexican smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based representative cohort of smokers from seven Mexican cities was surveyed before (2010) and after (2011) the implementation of pictorial warning labels. To determine the change variables representing the cognitive and behavioral impact of pictorial warnings, bivariate and adjusted generalized estimating equations were estimated. Data from the second survey (2011) were analyzed to determine the factors associated with aided recall of specific pictorial warnings, as well as the factors associated with self-report of the impact that these warnings had. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2011, significant increases were found in smoker's knowledge about smoking risks, the toxic components of tobacco, and the quitline number for receiving cessation assistance. Recall and impact of specific pictorial warnings was generally broad and equally distributed across the smoker population. In comparison with recent ex-smokers interviewed in 2010, more recent ex-smokers in 2011 reported that pack warnings had influenced their decision to quit (RM=2.44, 95% IC 1.27-4.72). CONCLUSION: The first pictorial warning labels on cigarette packages in Mexico have had a significant impact on knowledge and behavior.

Impacto de las advertencias con pictogramas en las cajetillas de cigarrillos en México: resultados de una encuesta en fumadores de Guadalajara / Impact of cigarette package health warnings with pictures in Mexico: results from a survey of smokers in Guadalajara

OBJETIVO: Mostrar el efecto de las primeras advertencias sanitarias (AS) con pictogramas en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Encuesta transversal en una muestra representativa de 1 765 adultos fumadores de Guadalajara, México (2010). Se estimaron modelos logísticos para determinar la asociación entre el reconocimiento de las AS con pictogramas y las variables que indican el impacto de las mismas. RESULTADOS: 58% de la población indicó haber comprado una cajetilla con AS con pictogramas. Estos fumadores expuestos reportaron pensar con mayor frecuencia en los daños que causa fumar (34 contra 25% p=0.003) y pensar en dejar de fumar (23 contra 14% p=0.001). Se observó una mayor aceptación de las AS como medio para comunicar información importante al fumador (93 contra 87% p<0.001) así como mayor aceptación de que el gobierno comunica bien sobre los daños a la salud por fumar (68 contra 55% p<0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Las AS con pictogramas han logrado aumentar el conocimiento sobre los daños que provoca el tabaco. La recomendación es seguir desarrollando y mejorando esta intervención para coadyuvar a lograr una población informada de los riesgos del tabaco.

OBJETIVE: Evaluate the impact of the first pictorial health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packs in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 1 765 adult smokers from Guadalajara, Mexico, 2010. Logistic regression models were estimated to determine the association between recall of having purchased a pack with a pictorial HWL and psychosocial variables indicating their impact. RESULTS: 58% reported having purchased a pack with one of the pictorial HWLs, and these were considered the exposed population. Exposed smokers reported a greater frequency of thinking about smoking-related risks (34 vs. 25% p=0.003), and thinking about quitting smoking (23 vs. 14% p=0.001). Exposure to pictorial HWLs was also associated with a greater acceptability of HWLs as a means of communicating with smokers (93 vs. 87% p<0.001), as was the perception that the government communicates well about tobacco-related health risks (68 vs. 55% p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pictorial HWLs have made smokers think more about these risks and about quitting smoking. This policy should continue to be exploited as a cost-effective educational intervention.

Políticas de etiquetado en los paquetes de cigarrillos: situación actual en América Latina y el Caribe / Cigarette labeling policies: current situation in Latin America and the Caribbean

En 2002, Brasil se convirtió en el primer país de la región en implementar etiquetas de advertencias sanitarias con pictogramas en los paquetes de cigarrillos. Desde la adopción del CMCT de la OMS en 2005, otros nueve países adoptaron advertencias con pictogramas y seis más aprobaron legislación cuya implementación está pendiente. El contenido del mensaje y el estilo del pictograma varían entre los países. Diecisiete países prohibieron descriptores de marca y nueve requieren una advertencia cualitativa con información de constituyentes y emisiones. Un importante progreso se ha alcanzado en la región desde 2005. Sin embargo, los países ratificantes del CMCT aún no han implementado todas las recomendaciones de las Directrices del Artículo 11.

In 2002, Brazil became the first country in the region to implement pictorial health warning labels on cigarette packages. Since the adoption of the FCTC/WHO in 2005, nine more countries adopted pictorial labels and six passed legislation that is pending of implementation. The message content and the picture style vary across countries. Seventeen countries have banned brand descriptors and nine require a qualitative label with information on constituents and emissions. Since 2005, important progress has been achieved in the region. However, countries that have ratified the FCTC have not yet implemented all the recommendations of Article 11 Guidelines.

Monitoramento da norma brasileira de comercialização de alimentos infantis / Monitoring of the brazilian standard for the trading of infant foods

This study aimed to analyze the labeling of products comprised by the Brazilian Standard for the Trading of Food, Pacifiers, Baby Bottles and Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding Infants and Toddlers, as well as the marketing strategies used in a supermarket chain in Teresina. 36 labels were analyzed in 28 stores. The collection of data was done through forms designed by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The data were analyzed based on ANVISA resolutions (# 221 and 222, 2002) and on Federal Law # 11.474, 2007. Excel for Windows was used for drawing the graphs. The results show label irregularities related to: the presence of non-compliant illustrations; the format of mandatory warnings; instructions on preparation and handling; administration with the bottle; false concept of advantage and safety; lack of packaging. As for the marketing strategies, the greatest inconformity was the lack of warning statements from the Ministry of Health concerning the use of pacifiers and feeding bottles. In spite of being under very strict laws, industries and supermarkets are not fully adapted to them, revealing the need forimproving the inspection on labeling and marketing strategy, thus contributing to increase breastfeeding indexes.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el etiquetado de los productos comprendidos por la ley que regula en Brasil la comercialización de alimentos para lactantes, niños en la primera infancia, chupetes, biberones y protectores de pezón (NBCAL), así como las estrategias de promoción utilizada para su comercialización por una red de supermercados en Teresina - Piauí, Brasil. Fueron analizados 36 etiquetas en 28 almacenes. La colecta de datos se hizo por medio de formularios elaborados por la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA). Los datos se analizaron con base en las disposiciones de las resoluciones 221 y 222 de 2002 de La ANVISA y la ley federal nº 11.474 de 2007. El programa EXCEL fue usado para la elaboración de los gráfi cos. Los resultados mostraron no conformidades en las etiquetas de los productos relacionados: presencia de ilustraciones en desacuerdo con la norma, también en frases de advertencia obligatorias, en instrucciones de preparación y manipulación, administración en mamadera, falsos conceptos de ventajas o seguridad, falta de embalaje. En relación a La promoción comercial, las disconformidades más encontradas fueron el uso de estrategias de promoción para los alimentos para lactantes, chupetes y biberones y la ausencia de frases de advertencia del Ministerio de la Salud. Los resultados mostraron que, a pesar de La legislación ser bastante rigurosa, la industria y los supermercados todavía no se adaptaron totalmente a ella, y es necesario aumentar La fiscalización del etiquetado y de la promoción comercial de estos productos contribuyendo AL aumento de los índices de lactancia materna.

O estudo teve como objetivo realizar a análise da rotulagem dos produtos abrangidos pela Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância, Bicos, Chupetas, Mamadeiras e Protetores de Mamilo (NBCAL), bem como as estratégias de promoção comercial utilizadas numa rede de supermercados em Teresina. Foram analisados 36 rótulos de produtos em 28 lojas. A coleta dos dados se deu por meio de formulários elaborados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Os dados foram analisados de acordo com o disposto nas resoluções da ANVISA (Nº 221 e 222 de 2002) e na Lei Federal Nº 11.474 de 2007. Utilizou-se o programa Excel para elaboração dos gráficos. Os resultados demonstraram inconformidades nos rótulos dos produtos relacionadas a: presença de ilustrações não conformes, formatação da frase de advertência obrigatória; instruções de preparo e manuseio; administrações em mamadeiras; falso conceito de vantagem ou segurança; ausência de embalagem. Quanto à promoção comercial, as inconformidades mais encontradas foram a utilização de estratégias de promoção para os alimentos para lactentes, bicos, chupetas emamadeiras como também a ausência das frases de advertência do Ministério da Saúde. Os resultados revelaram que apesar da legislação ser bastante rigorosa, as indústrias e supermercados ainda não se adequaram totalmente, sendo necessário aumentar a fiscalização da rotulagem e da promoção comercial destes produtos, contribuindo para o aumento dos índices de aleitamento materno.

Tobacco industry interference for pictorial warnings.

Aim : A study was carried out to understand the process of interference by the tobacco industry, to measure the compliance of the industry for displaying pictorial warnings on a tobacco product as per the packaging and labeling rules post 31 st May, 2009, and to understand the public opinion on the messages conveyed through such warnings. Materials and Methods : A total of 60 samples of tobacco products were purchased after 31 May, 2009, from the retail vendors of tobacco sellers across the country. Results : The government of India has from time to time, taken measures, including legislations, to control tobacco consumption. The actual implementation of these rules has been postponed repeatedly, apparently because of constant pressure exerted by the tobacco industry. The skull and bone sign hurting religious sentiments as stated by the group of ministers proved to be misleading. Later the Group of Ministers (GOM) proposed three very weak and poorly communicative pictorial health warnings to replace those recommended by the Union Health Ministry based on the inputs of the Department of Audio Visual Publicity (DAVP). The industry tried to use strategic means by displaying a dull, diluted, and watered down pictorial warning. The focus group study conducted showed that a scorpion gets associated with the product in a non-scientific manner. X-ray of the lung was hardly understood by anybody. Conclusion : Overall the tobacco industry has constantly flouted with the law right from the policy level to its implementation by displaying dull, diluted, and poorly informed pictorial warnings.

Cigarette labeling policies in Latin America and the Caribbean: progress and obstacles / Políticas de etiquetado de cigarrillos en América Latina y el Caribe: progreso y obstáculos

Objetive. To describe cigarette labeling policies in Latin America and the Caribbean as of August 2010. Material and Methods. Review of tobacco control legislation of all 33 countries of the region; analysis of British American Tobacco (BAT)'s corporate social reports; analysis of information from cigarette packages collected in 27 countries. Results. In 2002, Brazil became the first country in the region to implement pictorial health warning labels on cigarette packages. Since then, six more countries adopted pictorial labels. The message content and the picture style vary across countries. Thirteen countries have banned brand descriptors and nine require a qualitative label with information on constituents and emissions. Tobacco companies are using strategies commonly used around the world to block the effective implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)'s Article 11. Conclusions. Since 2002, important progress has been achieved in the region. However, countries that have ratified the FCTC have not yet implemented all the recommendations of Article 11 Guidelines.

Objetivo. Describir las políticas de etiquetado de cigarrillos vigentes en América Latina y el Caribe en agosto de 2010. Material y métodos. Revisión de la legislación para el control del tabaco en vigencia en los 33 países de la región; análisis de reportes sociales corporativos del grupo BAT; análisis de información de paquetes de cigarrillos recolectados en 27 países. Resultados. En 2002, Brasil se convirtió en el primer país de la región en implementar etiquetas de advertencias sanitarias pictoriales en los paquetes de cigarrillos. Desde entonces, otros seis países adoptaron advertencias pictoriales. El contenido del mensaje y el estilo de la fotografía varía entre los países. Trece países prohibieron descriptores de marca y nueve requieren una advertencia cualitativa con información de constituyentes y emisiones. Las compañías tabacaleras están utilizando estrategias comúnmente usadas alrededor del mundo para bloquear la implementación efectiva del Artículo 11 del Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco (CMCT) de la OMS. Conclusiones. Desde 2002, se ha alcanzado un importante progreso en la región. Sin embargo, los países que han ratificado el CMCT aún no han implementado todas las recomendaciones de las directrices del Artículo 11.