Evaluation of the adequacy of infant formula labeling

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20164004481489

Abstract

Human breast milk is the best food option for children up to one year of age, but in cases with contraindication or
for mothers who, for some reason cannot breast-feed their infants, formulas are indicated because they are especially
modified to meet the physiological and nutritional needs in this age group. The aim of this work was to analyze infant
formula labeling, marketed in the city of Rio de Janeiro, according Brazilian law. A total of 23 formulas were analyzed
based on 19 items to verify the conformity of the labels, based on norms established by the Brazilian Ministry of
Health. It was observed that among the items evaluated under the current legislation 45% presented inadequacies. The
presence of false concepts of advantage and security (21.7%) and health claims (17.4%) were also among those with the
highest number of nonconformities. The results evidenced the need for: 1) children’s formula companies (for the ones
who are under one year) to match their product labels to relevant legislation; 2) sanitary organs to monitor the labels of
infant formulas more effectively.