Avaliação da rotulagem, teores de proteínas e percepção dos consumidores sobre compostos lácteos comercializados em Fortaleza-CE

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the protein content of dairy compounds sold in Fortaleza, Ceará, compare with the declaration on the labeling and verify if the labeling is within the standards established by law. As well as how to make a projection with consumers about the perception and consumption of these products. The dairy compounds were randomly collected in different supermarkets in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará and named from A to F. The product labeling analysis was carried out through a compliance checklist, based on Resolution - RDC No. 259, of September 20, 2002 and Normative Instruction No. 28, of June 12, 2007 from the Ministry of Health and the National Health Surveillance Agency. The survey of consumption and consumer perception data was carried out through Google Forms, in which 21 questions were created, divided into two sections: the first containing socioeconomic data, and the second general knowledge of dairy compounds, preceded by a Term of Free and Informed Consent, totaling 293 responses. Protein content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, in duplicate. Through the form carried out, it was possible to observe that consumers have knowledge about dairy compounds. About 52.1% of respondents consume dairy compounds, but respondents report misunderstanding at the time of purchase, which 61.1% do not know how to differentiate dairy compound from milk powder. All dairy compounds showed nonconformities on the labeling. The dairy compound C had the highest number of nonconformities, such as misleading, product designation name and lack of mandatory ingredients. As for the protein content of the evaluated products, 50% were in compliance and 50% were not, according to the requirements of current legislation. All dairy compounds were outside the established standards. It is notorious the lack of commitment to follow the legal norms, the lack of inspection of this sector by the inspection bodies and the need to have a specialized technical body.