Labeling analysis of mixed fruit and vegetable drinks called detox

Abstract

Introduction:Labels provide information to guide consumers about the most appropriate food choices for their needs, being an important channel of communication between the consumer and the food producer. To fulfill this role, it is essential that these are correct and meet the established legal parameters. Objective:To evaluate the conformity of labels of industrialized mixed drinks based on fruits and vegetables that had the name “detox juice”, in products marketed in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil, between the years 2017 and 2019. Method:23 mixed drinks were initially selected and after evaluating the exclusion criteria, seven samples of different brands were included in this study. The analysis of the labeling was carried out according to the current regulation for food in Brazilian legislation, using a checklist with the following mandatory items: product name; list of ingredients; liquid content; origin identification; batch identification; expiration date; conservation care; use of phrases and images that may cause errors or mistakes to the consumer; nutritional labeling; warning about gluten and the registration number of beverages at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Supply (MAPA). Results:In 100% (n = 7) of the samples, irregularity in the use of the term “detox” on the labels and absence of registration with MAPA were observed. In 70% (n = 5) they had errors in the list of ingredients and nutritional information and in 57% (n = 4) the information on the liquid content was not correct. Conclusions: The results showed the presence of non-conformities in all the analyzed products. The irregularities in relation to the sales denomination and the absence of registration were highlighted. In view of this, it is emphasized the need for companies to adapt to the regulation of food labeling and the importance of promoting actions that allow consumers access to reliable information about these foods.