Conformidade da venda de alimentos para crianças de primeira infância em supermercados

Abstract

Objetive: To analyze the conformity of commercialization of infant foods for young children in accordance with the Brazilian Standard for Commercialization of Food for Infants and Children of First Infancy and related childcare products in supermarkets in the municipality of Uberlândia-MG. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted in 140 supermarkets located in the five geographic regions of the municipality. With the use of a questionnaire, data were collected for the purpose of analyzing the conformity regarding the presence of a prominent, visual or auditory warning in the commercialization of the products included in the study (follow-up formulas for infants, milks in general, baby food, purees, baby cereals and dairy products). The results were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies. To compare product sales by geographic sector and type of administration, chi-square test was performed. Results: All products were found in most of the supermarkets visited, especially in the central region, which had a sales percentage of over 50% for all products. The frequency of sales was higher in chain supermarkets. The studied sample, it was detected the absence of warning phrases from the Ministry of Health in 100% of the sales of follow-up formula for infants and milk compounds; 97.1% of milk in general; and 99.3% baby food, purees and baby cereals. Conclusion: Although there is legislation in Brazil to ensure legal and social protection for Early Childhood Children against early weaning, non-compliance is still found in the marketing of foods to this public.