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

The dairy drink is a food product produced in the most diverse flavors, packaging, brands, prices and for a wide age range of public. The search of consumers for important information has provided studies directed to the evaluation of food labeling. Thus, the present work aimed at analyzing labels of dairy beverages sold in the city of Currais Novos - RN. The research developed was of an investigative nature, qualitative and quantitative, divided into two stages: initially, directed to the labeling of dairy beverages and, later, the relationship of consumers with food products in general. Six different brands were selected and a 24-question checklist was used, prepared according to the legislation and labeling requirements for dairy beverages as an analysis parameter. For the evaluation between consumers and food products, the second part of the methodological process was carried out through a questionnaire consisting of 11 questions about food consumption in general. The survey was applied to 200 people of different age groups. As for the labeling analysis of the dairy beverage, part of the essential information was accepted, although some information was erased, compromising the interpretation of the product even though it was within the expiration date. The results identified that 20% of the participants do not usually read food labels. However, 68% check the expiration date and 19% usually read the nutritional table, a value considered low, since 57% identified that they knew the meaning of the elements of the table and 94% considered relevant to contain information about the composition of foods. Label analysis as a tool for the information on dairy drinks and other food products is an important way of presenting the product and preserving the health of consumers. Thus, the knowledge and interest in food labels should be a constant habit among consumers.