Conformidade das informações nos rótulos de biscoitos:uma análise transversal sobre a adesão às normativaslegais vigentes

Introduction: Nutritional information on labels allows consumers to know all the components of the product, helping them determine whether it meets their preferences and needs. Objective: To analyze whether labels on industrially and artisanally prepared biscuits sold in the southern region of Brazil comply with current food labeling legislation. Method: The data collection period was from May to September 2023. Cookies sold in supermarkets in the cities of Pelotas-RS and Santa Maria-RS were evaluated. During visits to supermarkets, photographic records of the biscuit labels were taken. The labels were checked in accordance with a checklist, which was prepared and structured based on current standards that regulate food labeling. Results: 60 cookies were analyzed, of which 22 labels (36.7%) were for artisanal cookies and 38 labels (63.3%) were for industrial cookies. It was found that only 23 (38.3%) presented packaging with the new nutritional food labeling, and 26.0% of the labels did not contain the claim of cookie or biscuit as the sales denomination. The items with the lowest label adequacy were total and added sugars. Most labels did not feature the front labeling that highlights the high content of added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. Of the industrial biscuit labels analyzed, 80.0% had correct allergen information. Conclusions: It was found that many cookie labels that are being sold still need to comply with current general and nutritional food labeling legislation.