Consumer News

Parmalat and other three companies are fined RS 1 million for failure to label milk

16/08/2013

Ministry of Justice brought administrative proceedings after proving disrespect to information and technical standards that guarantee quality

RIO - The Ministry of Justice said on Thursday afternoon that Parmalat, Marajoara, Marques Barbosa (brand Regina) and Cooperoeste were fined RS 1.174 million in total for selling milk and UHT milk powder "in odds with the law. "Sanction is a consequence of the disregard the information contained in labels and technical standards to ensure product quality. The action is a result of the program to combat fraud in the milk.

Fines were set at R$ 308 000 (Parmalat), RS 150,000 (Marajoara), RS 191,000 (Barbosa & Marques) and RS 525,000 (Cooperoeste) after the initiation of administrative proceedings against four companies, inspected by technicians from the ministries of Justice and Agriculture found that the quality of milk. The products presented "disagreement regarding the ANVISA Resolution RDC n. º 360, of December 23, 2003, which deals with the nutritional labeling of packaged foods and establishes that admit a variation of 20% compared to the calorie and nutrient declared on the label of the product, "the Ministry of Justice.

The milk also were at odds with the Ordinance no. 370/1997, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), on Regulation Technical Identity and Quality of UHT milk, which establishes the minimum standards of product quality. After analysis, milks showed amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats other than those prescribed by their packaging, range greater than allowed.

Disrespect of basic consumer rights
Were also found violations of basic rights of consumers as to the information, compliance and supply of quality criteria established by technical regulations. The Consumer Defense Code (CDC) states that products not in accordance with technical standards are unfit for consumption and market them constitutes abuse.

According to the director of the Department of Consumer Protection (DPDC), Amaury Oliva, information transparency and consumer relations are basic principles to be observed by all suppliers. "Companies must deliver the product in terms of what was offered. Packaging and labeling are important vehicles of information to consumers, "he said.

Oliva said that is critical to suppliers of products, especially those food, fully comply with the relevant technical regulations, to ensure product quality to the consumer.

The application of fine took into account the criteria of the CDC, and an appeal to the Secretary of the National Consumer (Senacon). The amount should be deposited in favor of the Defense Fund Diffuse Rights (FDD) of the Ministry of Justice and will be applied in actions for protecting the environment, public property and consumer protection.

Business dispute process
The LBR Dairy, which owns Parmalat, said the process refers to the investigation occurred in 2007, during which the mark was not yet marketed by the company. "The LBR Lacteos acquired the right to sell the Parmalat brand in Brazil in June 17, 2010," the company said in a statement.
The company & Marques Barbosa, owner of the brand Regina, said its packaging UHT milk "never had information of 6.8 g of protein as claimed and cited in the" Ministry of Justice.

The other two companies were fined sought by GLOBE, but not forward positioning. In Marajoara there was spokespersons available. In Cooperoeste, there was no response to phone calls or emails.

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Source: The Globe - Online

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