Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
07/16/2014
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
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According to the survey IDEC ten items have up to 66% higher than the level reported
Research conducted by Idec identified differences in sodium information on the labels Photo: The Globe Art
SAO PAULO - From 291 processed foods, 90 brands tested by the Brazilian Institute for Consumer Defense (IDEC), between March and April, 27 of them have varied by more than 20%, more or less, sodium declared on their labels. For testing, the products of all categories of foods included in the voluntary agreements to reduce sodium signed between industry and the Ministry of Health were selected the worst cases, of course, are those showing higher sodium content of 27.8 % to 66.3% informed on the food label, because it is a matter of public health, and includes ten products manufactured by Hans Frigor, Ceratti, Bata, Seara, Renata, elect, panco and Aurora.
- Of course, excess sodium is bad for health because the consumer thinks is consuming less sodium when, in fact, may be ingesting more than 50% of the value entered on the label - Ana Paula emphasizes Bortoletto nutritionist Idec.
The test results in laboratories were compared with the nutritional information table indicated on the label of the product, given the rules of the DRC number 360 of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).
- In previous research, we evaluated only the labeling information regarding sodium reduction targets, we did not test in the laboratory. With this research we can conclude that the label information is not always reliable - underscores Ana Paula
According Idec, it features disrespect to the right to information as provided in the Consumer Protection Code (CDC). The institute points out that the difference still violates the number 360/2003 of ANVISA Resolution establishing rules for nutrition labeling and tolerance.
In assessing the nutritionist, the fact that less than 10% the percentage of products with labeling error, calls attention to the fact known brands items present differences of more than 50% of the declared content of sodium. Ninety percent of the products are of animal origin, especially sausage. Most exceeds by 40% the K contents entered in the package.
- Brazilians already consume double the amount of sodium recommended by the WHO (which is 2g) and sodium intake already included in processed products is increasing in the country. Therefore, we need clear and accurate information on the labels of these products. For those who have high blood pressure and need to be controlled sodium intake, it is even worse - says nutritionist.
The expert says, however, that even in cases where the error indicates a lower sodium content than is indicated severe, because it evaluates "the error open gaps to the information off."
nutritional content
ANVISA accepts a range of 20% more or less information in the labeling for differences that may occur in the methods used to determine the nutritional content. The bank, according to the agency, is expected in the references of the Codex Alimentarius, a collection of internationally establishing codes of conduct, guidelines and other recommendations relating to foods and food safety recognized standards.
When nutrition labeling irregularities are identified in tax deeds, appropriate penalties are applied in Law 6.437/1977. However, Idec sees problems in overseeing the process.
The test results were sent to ANVISA, National Bureau Consumer (Senacon) and Procon-SP-RJ and Procon. Idec asked aoss organs to investigate the problems of nutritional composition evidenced, in order to prevent failures and ensure that the information given to consumers about the characteristics of the food are correct, tells Ana Paula Bortoletto.
WHAT DO BUSINESS
Note, the Brazilian Association of Food Industries (ABIA) said he was unaware the methodology of the test and said it was informed by the press only. "The organization has 140 member companies, which represent 70% of sales in the food sector in the country and believes that the sample of 291 products from 90 brands is a restricted universe and does not represent broadly the amount of goods consumed by the Brazilian population not include the total food industries operating in the country, which is more than 32 thousand companies today producing thousands of products, "said the statement, which also said the association has been working for seven years in partnership with the government to have a power over healthy and said consumed most of the sodium salt comes from the Brazilian kitchen. "That is, the salt consumed by Brazil from industrial products accounts for just 23.8%," the note concludes.
The Central Cooperative Aurora Foods says that once took note of this information, collected new samples of the product for review and, if confirmed this deviation, make the necessary corrections in the nutritional value table as soon as possible. "As already responded to Idec, the concern of Aurora Foods is always present information on their products clearly to consumers." If the product in question, frescal Tuscan sausage, "although the results presented, heed agreed with the Ministry of Health and ANVISA regarding the agreements Sodium Reduction, understand the observed deviation in the DRC 360/2003 . "
Selmi, who responds by Renata brand, announces that from testing conducted technical analysis of the labeling of product reviews - Renata flavor cake mix and coconut cake mix Renata chocolate flavor - and found that the values demonstrated by Idec match the product displayed sale, dry. However, according to the company, the agreement with the Ministry of Health constitutes parameters of the product ready for consumption, ie, cooked and baked. Thus, the assessment of the manufacturer informed the packaging value satisfy the agreed standards. Selmi also informed that requested the rectification Idec numbers and conclusions.
The Ceratti informs that follows strict quality control and complying with the legal and regulatory provisions. Consulted, and Seara panco not yet responded on the test result. No spokesman Hans Frigo was located for comment on the research.
Read more: http://oglobo.globo.com/economia/defesa-do-consumidor/teste-identifica-27-produtos-com-teores-de-sodio-diferentes-do-informado-13265286#ixzz37dgcA8LY
Source: The Globe - Online
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.