Anais do Simpósio Latino Americano de Ciências de Alimentos
Anais do 14 SLACA - Simpósio Latino Americano de Ciência de Alimentos

The hydration of the cassava starch produces the hydrated tapioca gum. The market for this product, which was typically handcrafted, has grown due to its health appeal (natural, sodium-free, and preservative-free) and the product's suitability for the celiac diet. Knowing that food labeling is essential for consumer safety, the objective was to verify the adequacy of industrialized hydrated tapioca gum labels from the perspective of current Brazilian legislation (Resolution CNS/MS/1988; RDC 259/2002; RDC 360/ 2003 and Law 10674/2003). The products (n=46) were collected in supermarkets in the states of RJ and SP, covering brands produced in 4 Brazilian regions (except the north). Of the labels analyzed, 2% did not declare the presence/absence of trans fats and sodium, these being mandatory declarations (except in a summarized declaration). Furthermore, 57% declared the use of any additive (acidulant and/or preservative) in disagreement with Brazilian legislation, which is positive, as there is no additive with approved use for this product. Of this percentage, 19% did not specify the function of the additive, and 4% were not identified by name or INS (International Numbering System), mandatory information. Additionally, 83% of the labels mentioned the absence of naturally free components in the product, such as fats, lactose, and gluten. Such a statement could even be made by adding the phrase "like all tapioca gum" not to give the false feeling that a product is differentiated by the absence of a naturally exempt component. Therefore, the gluten-free declaration (on the product's front panel) is wrong since cassava is naturally devoid of it. Finally, 4% did not submit the mandatory declaration regarding the presence/absence of gluten, which, in addition to being required, is essential for the safety of celiac patients. Given the results obtained, it is necessary to adopt stricter measures to monitor the labeling of these products.