Evaluation of compliance with legal requirements for food labelling in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2015

Authors

Mil-Homens, Ana Sofia (Author) Other; Moura, Ana Pinto de (Author) Other; Cunha, LM (Author) FCUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: The International Conference on Culinary Arts and Sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-011-35F

Abstract (EN): Introduction The labelling of foodstuffs is an important communication tool between the manufacturer/retailer and the consumer. However, some economic operators recognize that although food products¿ front of package information adds value to their business; it risks hindering the sales of some food categories, especially the less healthy ones. Aim The aim of this study was to characterize the type of legal infringements associated with the labelling practices for foodstuffs sold on the Portuguese market, based on official audits developed by the National Food Safety Authority. Methods All samples were collected under the National Sampling Plan of the Portuguese Food and Economic Safety Authority, between 2007 and 2011, with a total of 8,549 food products under evaluation. Results After evaluation of the label and laboratory testing, 432 were identified as non-compliant, from which 164 were identified as presenting non-compliant labelling. ¿Meat and meat products¿, ¿milk and dairy products¿ and ¿ready to eat food¿ were the groups with more non-compliant labels. Relatively to the offenses, 51% were associated with error-inducing mentions, followed by labelling imprecision (40%) and 9% were non-compliant samples with a potential risk for consumer¿s health. The detected offenses were related mostly with incomplete mentions, followed by names not corresponding to the product, mandatory mentions not translated to Portuguese and the incorrect use of nutritional claims. Discussion/conclusions It is essential to promote specific training on food labelling rules aimed at economic operators and employees, in order to reduce the number of offenses of this nature.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific