Brazilian food labeling regulations

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present a reflection on the historical evolution of the Brazilian food legislation and to emphasize nutritional labeling. The main regulations which have been under way for the four past decades were highlighted as well as some topics in the regulations which should be improved. From a general point of view, during this period, advances in the legislation have been observed, considering that scientific reports were incorporated in the regulations intending to improve food quality and to promote public health on account of the specific demands of the Brazilian reality. Nevertheless, according to the Regulation nr.360 of the Collegiate Directorate of the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária in 2003, which states that the declaration of iron, calcium and cholesterol contents is not obligatory anymore, an involution could be assumed regarding public health. Yet, the regulation has its merit by uniformizing the legislation of the countries which compose the Mercosul, providing free trading. Efforts should be made in order to maintain on food labels the nutrients whose declaration is not obligatory anymore. Moreover, it seems to be important to update the regulations, to fill in gaps and to recommend integrated actions of education in food, based on scientific evidences. Food labels have been an useful tool to consumers by giving them the opportunity to know about the composition, nutrient and energy contents as well as informations regarding health maintenance. Food legislation should be considered a strategy to help reduce obesity, nutritional deficiencies and even to prevent the most common chronic noncommunicable diseases associated with intake patterns.