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. 2022 Jun 10:40:e2021079.
doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2021079IN. eCollection 2022.

Labeling food allergens in the packaged food pyramid groups in Brazil: analysis of descriptions, ambiguities, and risks

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Joice Ferreira Lopes  1 , Mary de Assis Carvalho  1 , Nilton Carlos Machado  1
Affiliations

Labeling food allergens in the packaged food pyramid groups in Brazil: analysis of descriptions, ambiguities, and risks

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Joice Ferreira Lopes et al. Rev Paul Pediatr. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate allergenic labeling components of packaged foods for "What is the quality of food labels?" and "What is the group of Brazilian Food Pyramid that 'May contain' is predominant?."

Methods: The photographs of 916 products were obtained, of which 518 were analyzed. Data from each label were evaluated according to Brazilian Food Pyramid Groups (i.e., Cereals, Fruits, & Vegetables; Soybean & products; Milk & dairy products; Meat & eggs; Fats & oils; and Sugars & sweets). Ten items were analyzed in each label, namely, the presence of a list of ingredients, alert phrase for allergy sufferers, grouping of the alert phrase, phrase location, uppercase phrase, the phrase in bold, the color of alert phrase contrasting to the background, adequate font size, do not claim the absence for any allergen with the ingredients, and others factors that make it difficult to read. For the second question, a structured questionnaire was completed, and products were classified into two categories, namely, "Contain" and "May contain."

Results: The quality of the label was appropriate, and 69% of packaged foods had at least one allergen. The information "May contain" were higher in cow's milk (Cereals and Meat & eggs), soy (Soybean & products), and egg protein (Cereals). Soybean & products were the highest insecurity group.

Conclusions: Brazilian health professionals can count on good-quality labeling of packaged products. Consequently, they could promote patients' and parents/caregivers' education to consult the labels and manage the risks in processed foods about precautionary allergen labeling. Soybean & products were the most significant insecurity for food choices between Brazilian Pyramid Groups.

Objetivo:: Avaliar os componentes alergênicos da rotulagem de alimentos embalados e responder “Qual é a qualidade da rotulagem?” e “Qual é o grupo de alimentos em que a expressão ‘Pode conter’ é predominante?”.

Métodos:: Foram obtidas fotografias de 916 produtos, dos quais 518 foram analisados. Os dados dos rótulos foram avaliados de acordo com os grupos da pirâmide alimentar brasileira (Cereais, Frutas & Vegetais; Soja & Derivados; Leite & Laticínios; Carne & Ovos; Gorduras & Óleos; Açúcares & Doces). Dez itens foram analisados nos rótulos: presença de lista de ingredientes; frase de alerta para alérgicos; frase de alerta; local da frase; frase em letras maiúsculas; frase em negrito; a cor da frase de alerta contrastando com o fundo; tamanho de fonte adequado; não alegar ausência de qualquer alérgeno; outros fatores de difícil leitura. Para a segunda questão, foi respondido questionário estruturado, e os produtos classificados em categorias: “Contém” e “Pode conter”.

Resultados:: A qualidade do rótulo foi adequada e 69% dos alimentos embalados continham pelo menos um alérgeno. A informação “Pode conter” foi mais identificada em: proteína do leite (Cereais e Carnes e ovos), soja (Soja & derivados) e proteína do ovo (Cereais). Soja e derivados foi o grupo alimentar de maior insegurança.

Conclusões:: Profissionais de saúde podem contar com rotulagem de boa qualidade dos produtos embalados e, consequentemente, promover a educação de pais/cuidadores para consultar os rótulos e gerenciar os riscos em alimentos processados. Soja e produtos são os alimentos com maior insegurança entre os Grupos da Pirâmide Brasileira.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

The authors declare there is no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Percentage of packaged foods with allergens in the different groups of the Brazilian food pyramid.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Percentage of foods that offer risk of reactions to children with cow’s milk protein allergy in the different groups of the Brazilian food pyramid.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Percentage of foods that offer risk of reactions to children with soy protein allergy in the different groups of the Brazilian food pyramid.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Percentage of foods that offer risk of reactions to children with egg protein allergy in the different groups of the Brazilian food pyramid.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Brazilian food pyramid and the proportion of foods that offer risk of reactions “May contain” to children with food allergy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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