title: [Current issues regarding health surveillance of fluoride concentrations in foods].
abstract: This study analyzed the position of the Federal (Brazil), State (São Paulo), and municipal (Bauru, São Paulo) governments, civil society representatives, the regulated sector, and research associations concerning issues with fluoride content in foods. Analysis of the interviews (N = 15) used a qualitative methodology (collective subject discourse theory). Various central ideas were identified, including the need for stronger health surveillance in monitoring and controlling fluoride levels, educational measures, and more research in the area. The study concludes that the health surveillance approach to fluoride levels in foods is necessary, but still incipient. There is a mismatch between research output and surveillance. Regulation alone does not suffice to solve all the issues. Health risk communication and health education measures need to be implemented. Issues with fluoride on food labels need further research for the intervention to be effective.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. priscilabardal@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Priscila Ariede Petinuci
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bardal
authors.forename: Kelly Polido Kaneshiro
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Olympio
authors.forename: Marília Afonso Rabelo
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Buzalaf
authors.forename: Sueli Gandolfi
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Dallari
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D005457:Fluoridation; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis*; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000592:standards*; D005515:Food Labeling; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D005459:Fluorides