Intake recommendations and labeling of trans fat in processed foods in Brazil: analysis of official documents

Authors

  • Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Núcleo de Pesquisa de Nutrição em Produção de Refeições; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição; Departamento de Nutrição
  • Bruna Maria Silveira Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Núcleo de Pesquisa de Nutrição em Produção de Refeições; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102012000500020

Keywords:

Trans Fatty Acids, Industrialized Foods, Food Labeling, Consumer Health Information, Dietary Fats, Legislation, Food

Abstract

Consumption of trans fat has been proven to be harmful to human health. This lipid is found mainly in partially hydrogenated vegetable fat, which is widely used in processed foods. The aim of this study was to analyze official publications on maximum limits for consumption of trans fat and the regulations for its mandatory notification on the nutritional labeling of processed foods in Brazil. Weaknesses in the content of the documents analyzed were found, especially regarding the need for reformulation of both the maximum recommended consumption and the notification of trans fat on nutritional labeling for processed foods. This paper makes suggestions for this reformulation, through which it is sought to help consumers in controlling their trans fat intake and, consequently, in promotion of health.

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Published

2012-10-01

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 5 (2012)

Section

Comments

How to Cite

Proença, R. P. da C., & Silveira, B. M. (2012). Intake recommendations and labeling of trans fat in processed foods in Brazil: analysis of official documents. Revista De Saúde Pública, 46(5), 923-928. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102012000500020