Mandatory food labeling of trans fat acids: qualitative analysis of the public consultation

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify the stakeholders and their contributions to the public consultation carried out with regard to the mandatory trans fat acids food labeling proposal in Brazil. Methodology thematic analysis of the documents. Results 25 stakeholders made suggestions regarding the proposed law, and the majority belonged to the food industry sector. The following issues were raised: lack of knowledge among the consumers about trans fat acids; lack of information about trans fat acids in food composition tables and infrastructure to analyse the trans fat content of foods; voluntary trans fat labelling. Conclusions The stakeholders addressed important issues, such as improving nutritional knowledge among the population. However, few stakeholders linked to consumers took part in the public consultation, which might lead to disproportionate influence of the food industry on the development of future food policies.

Development and implementation of nutrition labelling in Iran: A retrospective policy analysis

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Applying a food processing-based classification system to a food guide: a qualitative analysis of the Brazilian experience

“…In the consultation analysis, the large number of participants who defended the interests of the population is a positive point that should be emphasized. Compared with the 2003 public consultation on mandatory food labelling ( 45 ) , in which only 12 % of participants defended the interests of the population, in this consultation there was evidence of growing public participation in debates related to food and nutrition in Brazil. Although this group of participants tended to agree with the new food guide, they also criticized it for failing to include certain issues, or for not examining other issues in sufficient depth, such as pesticides, GMO and organic food, food advertising, and the lack of discussion related to existing nutrition and food policies in Brazil.…”