Methodological aspects of determining (estimating) the content of carbohydrates in juice products when placing information for consumers on packaging

Abstract

Information about the nutritional value included by the manufacturer in the labeling of consumer packaging of foodstuffs contributes to an informed choice in the formation of the diet and is extremely important for the consumer. This information is the subject of special attention both on the part of nutrition specialists and on the part of state control (supervision) bodies. At the same time, methodological approaches to determining (evaluating) the content of carbohydrates in juice products as an important component of its nutritional value require additional elaboration. The aim of the work was to consider methods for determining (estimating) the content of carbohydrates in juice products and developing recommendations for their use. Material and methods. Methodical approaches to determining (estimating) the content of carbohydrates in juice products for the purpose of labeling consumer packaging have been considered. Determination (assessment) of the content of carbohydrates in 85 samples of juice products was carried out using calculation and analytical methods and the analysis of the data obtained has been done. Results. It has been established that the difference between the values of the carbohydrate content in juice products obtained by different methods can reach up to 20 percent. This is caused both by natural fluctuations in carbohydrate content in fruits and vegetables and, accordingly, in juices from them, and by the measurement uncertainty of the analytical methods used. The most accurate way to determine carbohydrates in juice products for consumer packaging labeling purposes is to measure and sum the content of individual sugars and sugar alcohols in the product. Next comes the calculation method based on data on the average content of sugars and sugar alcohols in industrial juices. Estimating the content of carbohydrates in a product by the determination of the content of soluble solids is the least accurate, while this method can be used with a sufficient degree of accuracy for juice products with a low juice content (10-20%). Conclusion. Methodological approaches have been developed to the choice of method for determining (estimating) the content of carbohydrates in order to label consumer packaging depending on the type of juice products. An analysis of the results obtained shows the need to specify the manufacturer's procedure for determining (evaluating) carbohydrates in products for the purpose of labeling them in the technical regulation of the Customs Union TR CU 023/2011 «Technical regulation for juice products from fruits and vegetables», as well as establishing possible deviations from those indicated in the labeling values.