Análise da conformidade de venda de alimentos infantis comercializados em drogarias

Abstract

Background: Although brazilian breastfeeding protection laws are considered to be one of the best in the world and have the greatest positive impact on the increase in breastfeeding practices in the country, there are still violations in marketing at points of sale, such as drugstores, of infant foods which end up favoring weaning and early feeding. Objective: To analyze the conformity of sale of transition foods and the cereal base for infants and early childhood children in drugstores in Uberlândia-MG. Methods: In total, baby food, soups, cereals and juices were analyzed in 143 drugstores in all regions of Uberlândia, between May and December of 2019. A check-list was applied in drugstores looking for the types of promotions and in which products found and another questionnaire was applied to employees regarding their knowledge of the 11,265 law and NBCAL. Statistical analysis was performed in Epi Info 7.2 and the data described both in relative and absolute frequency, the comparison of promotions according to geographic sector and type of drugstore administration was analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Of all surveyed drugstores, 50.3% sold infant food and of these, 25% violated the laws. Most of the promotions were special exhibitions (66.7%). Most promotions (71.4%) were found in chain drugstores, franchises. Only 25.3% of the interviewed employees claimed to know the legislation. Conclusion: Even if the laws exist, there are still violations and the percentage is high. The strengthening of inspection, with an increase in the number and training of inspectors, as well as the establishment of more severe punishments for offenders, in addition to improving the academic training of health professionals can help prevent these promotions.