Compliance of declared vs. analysed values with EU tolerance limits for mandatory nutrients in prepacked foods

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Albuquerque, TG (Author) Other; Antonia Nunes, MA (Author) Other; Beatriz B P P Oliveira (Author) FFUP; Costa, HS (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Food Chemistry

Vol. 302

ISSN: 0308-8146

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-Y4P

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125330

Abstract (EN): This study assessed compliance between declared and analysed values on prepacked foods, considering the tolerance limits for salt, fat and saturated fatty acids. Foods were distributed by food categories (e.g. snacks, ready-to-eat meals, potato and potato-products, bakery and pastry products) and a total of 209 products were analysed. Only half of the samples with a declared value >= 1.25 g/100 g were within tolerance limits for salt content. The lowest number of samples outside tolerance limits was observed for fat content; for saturated fatty acids, 27% of the samples were outside of tolerance limits. Only amongst "cereal products" were 100% of products compliant for fat and salt declarations. It is of utmost importance that manufacturers update continuously values declared for prepacked foods, because this information is crucial for consumers and food policy-makers as well as being a legal requirement.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7