Avaliação do impacto da nova rotulagem nutricional na composição de alimentos industrializados e nas escolhas alimentares de consumidores brasileiros.

Abstract

This study addresses the implementation of the new nutritional labeling in Brazil, focusing on front-of-package labeling (FOPL) and its impact on consumers' food choices and the composition of industrialized foods. Labeling, which includes text, images, or descriptions on product packaging, serves as a means of communication between manufacturers and consumers, providing essential information about the products. The research highlights the importance of labels in compliance with legislation to influence purchasing decisions and avoid inadequate food choices. FOPL, adopted in several countries, aims to inform consumers about products that may be harmful to health and encourage healthier choices, while also motivating the industry to improve the nutritional profile of foods. In Brazil, ANVISA regulated the new nutritional labeling in 2020, aiming to make it easier to understand nutritional information on labels and help consumers make more informed choices. The study, conducted in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, with 385 participants, investigated consumers' perceptions of the new nutritional labeling and analyzed the labels of 200 industrialized products before and after the implementation of the new nutritional labeling. The results indicated that the presence of FOPL on labels significantly reduced the intention to purchase ultra-processed products, suggesting increased consumer awareness of food nutritional quality. However, the analysis of product composition showed no significant changes in the list of ingredients and food additives after the introduction of the new nutritional labeling, although 17.5% and 15% of industrialized products reduced the list of ingredients and food additives, respectively, suggesting reformulation by the industry. In conclusion, the study suggests that the new nutritional labeling had a positive impact on consumers' food choices, promoting greater awareness of the nutritional quality of products. However, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this public health policy and its impact on the food industry and consumer behavior.