Packaged foods composing the “basic baskets”: microscopic and labeling assessment

Abstract

A “basic basket” is a kit of commodities including food items and products for personal hygiene and cleaning, sufficient for a determined family for a period of 30 days. This study evaluated the hygienic conditions and labeling of 130 packaged food products assembled in the “basic baskets”, which are marketed in the regions comprised by the Central & Regional Laboratories of Adolfo Lutz Institute. Histological elements, skins and sticks, and also foreign matter and mold were found. The labeling assessment was based on Resolutions RDC nº 259/2002 and nos 359 & 360/2003 of ANVISA/MS (Sanitary Surveillance Agency/Ministry of Health/Brazil) and the Law nº 10,674/2003 recommendations. On histological analyses 6.1% were unsatisfactory, 71% presented foreign matter, which did not comply with Resolution RDC nº 175/2003 of ANVISA/MS and Decree nº 326/1997 of SVS/MS; 100% failed to comply with at least one of the legislations used for evaluating the information contained on the label. These findings will provide subsidy for the regulatory actions, contributing to improve the products quality, and consequently to protect the health of population.