Avaliação da rotulagem e dos teores de gordura de leite e produtos lácteos inspecionados nos Programas de Vigilância Sanitária

This study evaluated the labeling of milk samples from diverse animals species and of milk products inspected at the Federal District in 2011. Also, it was investigated whether the found fat contents in these samples were in compliance with those established by the specific Brazilian legislations for each product. Sixty-three samples of cow milk, one powdered goat milk, 19 cheeses, two fermented dairy drink and three dairy compound of 36 different brands were analyzed. Of 36 brands, nine showed non-complying labeling, and the most common irregularities were lack of lot identification, overlapping labels, induction to error, and printed letter font size. Of the analyzed products, only the Prato cheese showed lower mean of lipid contents than those recommended by the specific legislation. The fat contents of the Frescal Minas cheese showed large variations, but only one sample exceeded the limit recommended by the specific legislation. These results reinforce the need for greater control by the competent government bodies, because the advertisements strategies from the food industries are exceedingly persuasive and aggressive, which justify the need for constant reformulation of the laws and regulations of many items not yet available in the current Brazilian legislation.