Labeling Compliance Research Articles

Challenges in the use of natural flavorings and labeling compliance in meat preparations in the Umbria region (central Italy)

Challenges in the use of natural flavorings and labeling compliance in meat preparations in the Umbria region (central Italy)

Evaluation of Label Compliance to Allergens in Imported Asian Food Sold in Northern Italy

Abstract Background The import of Asian food is strongly increasing in the EU. In Italy, the Asian market has expanded over the last 3 decades. Unfortunately, the labelling of these products often implies errors, mainly due to linguistic differences. Consequently, it can become a consistent problem regarding food safety, in particular for allergens declaration. According to EU Reg. 1169/2011 (Annex II), allergens must be labelled in bold and translated in the current language of the Member State. Asian food non-compliant labelling could enhance the probability of allergic consumers to get adverse events; accordingly, it is important to increase controls on the imported products. The present work investigates the label compliance to allergens on Asiatic products imported in Northern Italy. Methods Totally, 39 foodstuffs were tested for gluten, 93 for white egg proteins and 118 for milk proteins by commercial ELISA kits according to manufacturers’ instructions. Samples were considered non-compliant when the results were above 20 mg/Kg, the law limit for gluten, or above the milk LOD (10 µg/Kg) and the egg LOD (0.4 mg/Kg). Results Data showed 18% (CI 95% 0.09-0.32) of non-compliant samples for gluten: 6 samples > 80 mg/Kg (snacks and ready to eat meal) and 1 sample containing 48 mg/Kg (snack). In addition, 19.4 % (CI 95% 0.13-0.28) showed presence of egg proteins (noodles, snacks, patties and pasty). Finally, 13.6% (CI 95% 0.08-0.21) samples were irregular for undeclared milk (noodles and snacks). Conclusions Products label report their content and represent an important element for food trading and tracing. The results obtained confirm a high percentage of non-compliant labels, underlining how the consumption of imported products can represent a health risk for allergic consumers. The present work highlights the importance of imported food monitoring to guarantee the consumers health, and of the implementation of standardized/international regulated labelling rules. Key messages • Many non-compliant labels about allergens was observed on Asiatic products. • Correct labelling of allergens in imported food should be monitored to avoid adverse events.

Species identification using PCR targeting specific region in cytochrome oxidase I gene for high-value fish product market in China

The Chinese market for high-value fish products suffers from a relatively serious mislabeling phenomenon. This study investigates the current status of products in China’s high-value fish market by collecting 508 online samples comprising seven processing techniques, with a focus on cod, salmon, and tuna, which hold relatively high market shares. A high-salt extraction method that exhibited the best overall performance was applied. Micro-DNA barcode identification traced the species of these products. Of the 508 samples, 201 (39.57 %) did not match their trade labels. Mislabeling was prevalent. There was a greater percentage of mislabeled surimi products (26.97 %) than frozen (0.99 %) or dried products (11.61 %). The likelihood of mislabeling increases with processing complexity. Mislabeling occurred predominantly among similar species of the same genus or purpose, and the phenomenon of substituting low-value meat for high-value fish was also observed. This study informs fish testing and sheds light on the current state of labeling compliance in the high-value fish product market.

Assessment of Medication Labeling Compliance in Outpatient Pharmacy: A Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract This study assessed outpatient medication labels in 19 hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on critical information necessary for safe and effective medication use. The study utilized a structured observation form based on guidelines from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. The form included indicators related to label identification, instructions, and layout. Compliance rates for each indicator were calculated, revealing varying levels of adherence across different hospitals. High compliance rates were observed for indicators such as the date of dispensing (100%), directions of use (100%), and typing directions in Arabic (100%). However, lower compliance rates were noted for physician and pharmacist information, drug information, and additional medication details, with rates ranging from 0 to 78.9%. Specifically, the inclusion of physician and pharmacist registration numbers had a compliance rate of 0%. The study highlighted significant gaps in standardizing medication labels, emphasizing the need for including essential information such as total quantity dispensed, number of refills, warning labels, medication indication, and storage conditions. Additionally, the use of barcodes, hospital logos, and Tallman letters was found to be inconsistent. In conclusion, the findings underscore the necessity for standardizing outpatient medication labeling practices to improve patient safety and medication management. This study calls for collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and the implementation of best practices to achieve consistent and accurate medication labeling in Saudi Arabia.

Mammalian and avian species quantification in homogenized foods: real time PCR and digital PCR as tools for label compliance controls

Currently food fraud and authenticity of products composition are topics of great concern; ingredients quantification could allow to identify small amounts of contaminats or voluntary addition of improper components. Many molecular methods are available for species identification in foodstuffs but, for a better application, they should not be affected by the interference of other ingredients. The main purpose of this work was to verify the Real Time PCR and the Digital PCR (dPCR) quantification performances on baby food samples, specifically selected for their high miscibility to limit variability; chicken was selected as target to verify the performance of quantification of methods after having spiked the same quantity in different baby foods. The other aims were: (1) to verify a constant genome copies ratio existence between mammalian and avian species (2) to verify the dPCR performance, set up on housekeeping, to quantify mammalian and avian species in commercial products. Digital PCR showed fewer differences respect to Real Time PCR, at the same 15% w/w chicken spiking level. Despite the constant difference between mammalian and avian genome copies, in samples with the same spiking weight, the confidence intervals increasing towards the extreme values, made impossible to use genome copies ratio as a sort of correction factor between species. Finally, the dPCR system using the myostatin housekeeping gene to determine the chicken content seemed reliable to verify the labelling compliance in meat-based commercial products.

The occurrence of aflatoxins and labelling compliance of locally produced za’atar mix products

Za’atar mix products are mainly composed of the dried and ground leaves and/or blossoms of wild and cultivated plant species (Origanum, Thymbra, Thymus, and Satureja) with the addition of condiments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of aflatoxins, chemical composition (carbohydrates, fibre, fat, protein, moisture, ash, and acid contents), mineral content (Na, Ca, and K), and colour traits (L*a*b*) in relation to food label and food standards compliance. Measured and labelled fat content did not agree for approximately 91% of the samples. There was also no agreement between the measured and labelled fibre contents. The total content of aflatoxins in the tested samples ranged from 2 to 63.7 ng g−1. Eleven (69%) of the 16 analysed products had total aflatoxins higher than the maximum permitted limit of the European Commission. The KAS and LAZ products had significantly lighter colour (the highest L* values), while the ALAQ product had the darkest colour (lowest L* value). The range of sodium content in the tested products was 105.1–1425.3 mg/100 g. In conclusion, za’atar mix products that are available in local markets do not have accurate nutritional labelling information, and the occurrence of aflatoxins was very high. Further studies are needed to evaluate the reasons for these quality defects.

Point-of-choice kilocalorie labelling practices in large, out-of-home food businesses: a preobservational versus post observational study of labelling practices following implementation of The Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021

Background and objectivesOn 6 April 2022, the UK government implemented mandatory kilocalorie (kcal) labelling regulations for food and drink products sold in the out-of-home food sector (OHFS) in England. Previous...

25份市售金银花代用茶的质量调查及活性成分分析数据集

To further improve the quality standard of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) tea, we investigated and analyzed the quality-related characteristics of the 25 brands of commercial honeysuckle tea in this study. Following the general label rules of prepackaged food, this study assessed the label compliance of different brands of honeysuckle tea. Furthermore, we conducted an investigation and assigned grades to the characters of honeysuckle tea in accordance with the agricultural industry standard. The pH value of the sample was measured using a pH meter. The total flavonoid content was determined through ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The content of chlorogenic acid was determined using HPLC. The correlation and distribution characteristics of the data were analyzed by means of SPSS, Microsoft Excel and other statistical tools. Based on a survey of 25 commercially available honeysuckle samples, a total of 361 test results were obtained. This dataset is expected to offer valuable references for the development of national standards for honeysuckle substitute tea.

Evaluation of food allergen information, labelling and unintended food allergen presence in imported prepacked foods and drinks purchased online in the UK

Consumers have wide access to global food and drink products online and in store that require food allergen information and labelling. Frequent food and drink product recalls occur UK and worldwide due to incorrect labelling of food allergens and their unintended or undeclared presence. This research aims to evaluate the accuracy and compliance of information and labelling of substances or products causing allergies or intolerances in prepacked food and drink products imported from Asia and purchased online in the UK. The current study assessed 768 randomly selected prepacked products classified into 16 separate product categories, representative of items from 12 countries in Asia, sourced from 8 UK retailers. When screened for precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), 173 (22.5%) items provided PAL, with 24 phrasings being identified. Upon comparing food allergen information on pack and online, 36 products (36.0%) transferred inconsistencies on pack to online pages and 15 (15.0%) were not consistent. Additionally, laboratory studies were performed to detect milk and peanut allergens in a sub-group of 77 products. Following analysis, 24 (31.2%) contained unintended food allergens, with levels ranging from 0.2 to 6780.0 mg/kg. Of these items, 9 products (37.5%) had a risk ratio ≥ 1 exceeding action levels produced with the VITAL® 3.0 ED01 reference doses, recommending PAL, though 7 (29.2%) were found without PAL. A further 10 products (13.0%) overused PAL and 2 products (2.6%) used PAL correctly. This research indicates further refinement of policies to ensure adequate, accurate, clear and current food allergen information and labelling of products.

Assessment of the information to consumers on insects-based products (Novel Food) sold by e-commerce in the light of the EU legislation: when labelling compliance becomes a matter of accuracy.

Edible insects are an alternative protein source with environmental, social and health benefits. Insect-based products (IBPs), considered as Novel Foods by the EU legislation, are mainly sold on the EU market through e-commerce. In this study, the current situation of the EU IBPs e-commerce was characterized by i) identifying Food Business Operators involved in the selling and ii) assessing the IBPs' compliance to the EU labelling requirements. Overall, 26 e-commerce platforms were identified, mainly with head offices located in North and Central Europe and 656 IBPs proposed to be sold online were found. Most of IBPs consisted of whole insects (54.9%), followed by protein products (9.5%) and powder insects (8.1%). IBPs made with House cricket (A. domesticus) (50.2%) were the most represented. Overall, only 3.4% of the IBPs were fully compliant with the EU labeling requirements. The high level of non-compliance was mainly related to the absence, incompleteness or inaccuracy of the “additional specific labelling requirements" imposed by Implementing Regulations authorizing the placing on the EU market of IBPs, probably due to their recent entrance in force. Among these, issues related to allergens’ declaration observed in many IBPs reflected possible safety implication for consumers. This study, by providing useful data on the FBOs involved in e-commerce of IBPs and describing the main IBPs categories sold on the EU online market, could also support the Competent Authorities towards more targeted official control activities.

Label analysis and molecular identification of Japanese Seafood Products purchased on Chinese e-commerce

Sushi and sashimi are seafood products that are widely consumed worldwide, including China. Currently, they are also sold through alternative channels such as e-commerce. In this study, 60 Japanese Seafood Products (JSPs) suitable for sushi and sashimi preparations (fish meat or roe) were purchased on Chinese e-commerce and analyzed. Initially, the trade name accuracy and the labeling compliance with the Chinese standard for pre-packaged food were evaluated. Then, the species composition of the JSPs was assessed by the molecular analysis of two genetic targets (COI and cytb). Finally, the results of the molecular analysis were compared with the trade name reported on the label, and the mismatching rate (MR) was calculated. None of the JSPs labels reported the scientific name of the species. Sixteen different trade names were found, of which only 37.5% could be assigned to a taxonomic level (species or genus). In the other cases, umbrella terms were used. Overall, 66.7% of the JSPs were fully compliant with the Chinese standard. Eighty-seven percent of the JSPs were molecularly authenticated to the species level. Overall, an MR of 11.7% was observed. The mismatched JSPs were labelled as “Snapper”, “Herring roe” and “Bigeye tuna”. The use of umbrella trade names can facilitate the placing on the market of species involved in traceability, economic and sustainability issues. Indeed, some of the recovered species were listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. DNA analysis was once again proved as an efficient tool to unmask and fight seafood frauds.

Labelling compliance assessment and molecular authentication of Grilled Fish Products Sold on Chinese e-commerce: Traceability issues related to the use of umbrella trade names

Labelling compliance assessment and molecular authentication of Grilled Fish Products Sold on Chinese e-commerce: Traceability issues related to the use of umbrella trade names

Short-weighting, species authentication, and labeling compliance of prepackaged frozen shrimp sold in grocery stores in Southern California

Short-weighting, species authentication, and labeling compliance of prepackaged frozen shrimp sold in grocery stores in Southern California

Species Identification and Monitoring of Labeling Compliance for Commercial Pufferfish Products Sold in Korean On-line Markets

Species Identification and Monitoring of Labeling Compliance for Commercial Pufferfish Products Sold in Korean On-line Markets

Species Identification and Labeling Compliance Monitoring of Commercial Shrimp Products Sold in Online Markets of South Korea

Species Identification and Labeling Compliance Monitoring of Commercial Shrimp Products Sold in Online Markets of South Korea

Commonly consumed processed packaged foods in Bangladesh are unhealthy and their nutrient contents are not in conformity with the label declaration.

The present study was undertaken to identify the major nutrient content in processed foods commonly consumed in Bangladesh, their label conformity healthiness, and percent daily nutrient contribution. Twenty-four nationally representative composite samples were analyzed using AOAC and other standard methods. Results were compared with label information using a restrictive approach and EU tolerance guidelines. The healthiness of the products was evaluated in terms of the Health Star Rating (HSR) scheme and the UK traffic light labeling system. Among the analyzed samples, fried pulse, chanachur, lozenge, and fried peas had the highest amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, respectively. Biscuits and milk chocolate had high levels of trans fatty acids (TFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA). It was observed that around half of the products lacked information about saturated fatty acid (46%), followed by total dietary fiber and trans-fat (38% each). Other information was missing in one-fifth of the products, namely protein (17%), total fat (17%), available carbohydrate (17%), energy (17%), sugar (21%), and salt (21%). Label compliance analysis according to the restrictive approach revealed that none of the products accurately reported the salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat content on the label. According to the EU tolerance guideline, approximately half of the products had protein (58%), fat (54%), and carbohydrate (42%) levels that fell within the EU tolerance limit. However, only around one-third of the samples had sugar (21%), salt (38%), and saturated fat (33%) levels that met the EU tolerance limit. In terms of healthiness analysis, according to the HSR, the range of stars was between 0.5 and 2.5 of the foods where fried peas got the highest rating (2.5 stars), while in terms of the UK traffic light system, none of the samples got all green signals. The lozenge got green lights for fat, SFA, and salt contents. It was also found that consumption of 100 g of fried peas or pulse would exceed the acceptable daily limit of salt, sugar, and SFA compared to the daily maximum allowable intake for the 2000 kcal diet recommended by the WHO. However, according to the serving size, biscuits were major contributors of TFA, sugar, and SFA, whereas fried pulse was a key contributor of sodium/salt. Proper regulatory actions should be introduced to promote healthy processed foods with user-friendly front-of-the-pack labeling and monitor their quality to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

P‐TS‐46 | Improving Specimen Labeling Compliance After Electronic Medical Record Transition

P‐TS‐46 | Improving Specimen Labeling Compliance After Electronic Medical Record Transition

Labeling compliance and online claims for Ayurvedic herbal supplements on the U.S. market associated with the purported treatment of COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers increased their use of supplements that claimed to support immune health, including Ayurvedic preparations. The goal of this study was to analyze labeling compliance and online claims for Ayurvedic herbal supplements associated with the purported treatment of COVID-19. The physical product labels for 51 herbal supplements labeled as ginger, tulsi/holy basil, amla, vacha/calamus root, guduchi/giloy, cinnamon, ashwagandha, tribulus, or turmeric were assessed for U.S. regulatory compliance. Disease claims, structure/function claims, and general well-being claims were also examined. The online listings for products purchased online (n=42) were examined for claims and for the presence of the required legal disclaimer. Collectively, 61% of products had at least one instance of noncompliance on the physical label. The most common violations included missing/noncompliant disclaimer (33%), noncompliant "Supplement Facts" label (29%), noncompliant statement of identity (27%) and noncompliant domestic mailing address or phone number (25%). Structure/function claims occurred more frequently in the online product listings (average of 5 claims per product) compared to the physical labels (average of 2 claims per product). Disease claims were observed for 38% of online product listings and on 8% of physical labels. The use of disease claims on herbal supplements is a significant concern for public health because it may lead consumers to delay seeking professional treatment for life-threatening diseases. Overall, this study revealed a lack of labeling compliance among Ayurvedic herbal supplements and a need for greater scrutiny and monitoring of online product listings.

Survey of harmful dyes in food color additives in Algeria

Food colors are pervasive in our diet. However, some of them are involved in health concerns reaching carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. This is a survey of prepackaged color additives marketed to the simple consumer in Algeria. This exploration aimed to assess the compliance of the labeling of color additives, as well as the investigation of the presence of harmful dyes, namely E102, E110, E 121, E122, E123, E124, E127, E129, E132, E133, E143, and E171, in their composition. Our findings reveal the labeling compliance of 50.5% of analyzed coloring products and the absence of ingredient labeling for 1.6% of analyzed coloring products. While 47.8% of the products displayed different labeling flaws. Except for the dyes E121, E129, and E143, the other requested dyes have been determined. In fact, dyes E102 (39%), E110 (23%), and E171 (20%) were the most frequent. Moreover, 32.6% of all analyzed coloring products included two harmful dyes. Surprisingly, almost 3% of all assessed coloring products provided three harmful dyes simultaneously. Taken together, these results encourage further investigations of the presence of harmful dyes in our food and to establish more stringent rules governing the marketing and the use of coloring additives.

Preliminary study on species authentication in poultry meat products by next-generation sequencing

The growing demand for poultry meat and the complexity of the supply chain affect traceability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to apply DNA metabarcoding to verify the labelling compliance of multi-species poultry meat commercial products. Overall, the molecular identifications conducted in this study confirm that all products contain the species declared in the label and all the non-conformities regard the presence of one or more undeclared meat species. In particular, undeclared species, such as pig and cattle, were highlighted in 8/13 of the samples. Such pattern could be due to technological purposes or accidental contamination linked to inappropriate sanitation practices during processing. However, the presence of undeclared species can affect the ability to choose for consumers with of specific needs (e.g., ethic, religious) or health risk and should be not neglected. Results of this study show that metabarcoding is a promising tool to identify meat species in mixtures. Therefore, its application by food industry and competent institutions, could help to innovate the food management system with the creation of a favorable environment for the protection and respect of the consumer needs. • NGS Metabarcoding is powerful tool to authenticate multi-species meat products. • The presence of unexpected species was highlighted. • Undeclared species have ethic and religious implications. • Metabarcoding could trace environmental and hygienic-sanitary conditions. • Food management system can be improved by the application of advanced approaches.