Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
21/11/2012
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
Light word can only be used if the product has some nutrient value reduced compared with the conventional version
The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) changed the rules for the use of terms such as light, low, rich and does not contain, on food labels. Technically called nutrition, these are information to describe the level (absolute or relative) of nutrients or energy value of food.
The word light, for example, can only be used if the product has some nutrient value reduced compared with the conventional version (reference food). The term food was allowed both with reduced nutrient as those with a low content of some nutrient, without comparing it with the reference products. According to Anvisa, consumers and health professionals found it difficult to recognize the differences between products labeled light.
Regarding the terms source of protein and high in protein, were stipulated criteria for quantity and quality requirements. According to the regulator, the idea is to curb the use of information in a misleading way, for example, foods with added protein incomplete or of poor quality.
The new resolution Anvisa, RDC 54/2012, also changed the calculation basis for the use of such information. Currently, the base is 100g or ml of food to make the calculation. With this change, the calculation should be done from a portion of food. According to the regulator, the new calculation base prevents confusion when comparing products, besides facilitating the consumer know the exact amount of intake of a certain nutrient.
Companies have until January 1, 2014 to adjust the labels. Manufacturers are not required to disclose nutritional claims. Products manufactured in the adjustment period may be marketed until the end of its shelf life. With the new resolution, Brazil is going to have the same technical regulations for nutrition labeling of Mercosur, which facilitates the free movement of food between the countries of the bloc.
The new rules also apply to the information conveyed in such advertisements in the media.
Source: ANVISA
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.