Rotulagem de alimentos

Abstract

According to the Household Budget Survey (HBS) carried out in 2008/2009, the prevalence of obesity in Brazil is 12.5% among men and of 16.9% among women. In addition, adults excessive weight (overweight and obesity) is a reality for 50% of Brazilians, and obesity is increasing approximately 1% per year. Overweight, obesity and other non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) are associated to lifestyle of modern populations, who consume ultra processed, foods, rich in sugar, fat and sodium. In light of the observation that NCDs are major causes of Brazilian population’s mortality and morbidity and that food regulation is a strategy pointed as a tool to face such diseases, it is necessary to evaluate consumers’ perception with regard to food labeling and to evaluate possible differences among those with or without NCD. The general objective of the research was to evaluate consumers’ awareness, perception and preference regarding general and nutritional food labeling, according to the presence of non-communicable chronic diseases. This research was divided in two stages. The first stage has collected qualitative data as from focus groups. The second stage has collected quantitative data from 807 adult women (20 to 65 years old) living in the cities of São Paulo, Goiânia, Salvador and Porto Alegre, being that 404 had NCD or lived with people (relatives) with NCD. As opposed to what was expected, women ‘with NCD’ had no higher level of awareness with regard to food labeling. Although reporting using food labelling more frequently and knowing that they are mandatory by law, the understanding of this information is not considered an easy task for this group of women with NCD. The results of this survey reinforce Idec’s position of advocating that nutritional information on food packages should be simpler and clearer, helping consumers making healthier food choices. The reformulation and improvement of food labeling is already part of NCD action plan agenda, so it is necessary that existing barriers are urgently overcome and that this and other actions are jointly implemented to control and prevent such diseases in Brazil.