Evaluation of complementary nutritional information for industrialized fruit juices compared to vitamin C contents

Abstract

The demand for practical and healthy foods has increased in recent years, as has the concern with nutritional labeling, as it is through it that the consumer is informed about the nutritional characteristics of packaged foods. Among the ready-to-eat (RTE) products, drinks stand out, such as industrialized fruit juices, which are an alternative to the intake of vitamin C, due to their practicality. This study aimed to verify the compliance and non-compliance of the labeling of industrialized fruit juices in view of the Complementary Nutrition Information (INC) resolution, RDC nº 54/2012/ANVISA. To this end, the INC labeling of absolute vitamin C content was evaluated in eight samples of fruit juices, which contained claims of “Source” and “Rich”, through the analysis of vitamin C content by the Tillmans method. Then, a comparison was made with the minimum content required by INC legislation. Of the eight samples analysed, 75% complied with the minimum RDI levels for all consumers; 12,5% showed non-compliance with the minimum content for the adult consumers and 12,5% was non-compliant for all consumers. Although the INC is optional, it can be used to attract consumers looking for healthier foods, being a determining factor in choosing a product. The results show that there is a need for stricter inspection by regulatory agencies to protect consumers from products that have incorrect claims.