[Study of nutrition and health claims on labelling of fermented milk products].
BACKGROUND
The consumption of fermented milk products in Spain has been increased for the last 40 years. In addition to yogurt, new varieties of milk products fermented by bifidobacteria or other Lactobacillus species have been introduced. The nutritional importance of these products, together with the likely beneficial effects of the fermentative strains, has propitiated labelling with nutritinal and health claims. Present regulations do not specifically regulate these wordings and a proposal for a European Regulation for standardization of these claims is currently under elaboration.


OBJECTIVE
To study the nutrition and health claims on labelling of fermented milk products taking into account current legislation, the proposal for a European Regulation and the related literature. To compare labelling on yogurt with that of other fermented milk products, in relation to these claims.


RESULTS
Ninety-four percent of the studied labelling has nutritional information. Nutritional claims have ben found on 38%, of which 20% have mentioned fat content, 12% calcium content, although 26% have less than 15% of the RDA, 7% mention dietary fiber content. Health claims has been presented in 32% of the studied labelling.


CONCLUSIONS
Health claims have been more frequently found in fermented milk products other than yogurt, most of them mentioning the prebiotic or probiotic properties. A lack of information to consumers has been observed concerning the necessary amounts to be consumed and the real benefit provided by the product. Nutrition claims in products with normal content of certaint nutrients have been found; this fact might create confusion as regards to really enriches foods.
Montero Marín
A
A
Subdirección General de Alimentación, Dirección General de Salud Pública y Alimentación, Consejería de Sanidad y Consumo de la Comunidad de Madrid, España.
Limia Sánchez
A
A
Franco Vargas
E
E
Belmonte Cortés
S
S
D043302:Cultured Milk Products; D005515:Food Labeling; D006293:Health Promotion; D009753:Nutritive Value