Infrações na comercialização de fórmulas infantis, bicos, chupetas e mamadeiras em supermercados em Uberlândia, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To verify the presence of infractions in the commercialization of infant formulas, teats, pacifiers and baby bottles in supermarkets in Uberlândia-MG. Methods: Cross-sectional study whose sample consisted of 140 supermarkets located in the five geographic sectors of the municipality (28 in the north sector, 27 in the south, 33 in the west, 31 in the east and 21 in the central sector). Violations in commercialization were analyzed using a questionnaire in which the products marketed (infant formulas for infants and follow-up formulas for infants, baby bottles, teats, pacifiers), the presence of any type of commercial promotion (exhibition and special presentation, gifts, offers, discount coupons, tie-in sales) and trademarks. The observed infractions were described in absolute and relative frequencies and a chi-squared test was performed to compare the presence of infractions according to geographic sector and type of supermarket administration (chain; independent). Results: There was variation between regions in the availability of products, with the central region being the one that most concentrated supermarkets that sold the children's products surveyed. The presence of products in supermarkets was higher in those belonging to a commercial network. Commercial promotions for infant formulas and infant follow-up formulas were verified in 0.7% of the establishments. For baby bottles, the promotion percentage was 7.9% (brands: Fiona®, Lolly®, Kuka®, Lillo®). For teats, the percentage was 2.2% (Kuka®, Lillo®, Neopan®) and for pacifiers, 5.7% (Cefisa®, Fiona®, Kuka®, Lolly®, Lillo®). Conclusion: Infractions still happen and they are a problem for breastfeeding. Strategies for enforcement and propagation of NBCAL are fundamental for the reduction of those violations.