Dycco Nur Soctmada, I Komang Suwita, Astutik Pudjirahaju

ANALYSIS OF LABELS, INFORMATION ON NUTRITIONAL VALUE, NUTRITIONAL CONTENT AND NUTRITIONAL CLAIMS IN COMMERCIAL COMPLEMENTARY FOODS PRODUCTS

Introduction

Analysis of labels, information on nutritional value, nutritional content and nutritional claims in commercial complementary foods products. Analyze commercial complementary food labels, nutritional value, content, and claims in Indonesia. Research reveals discrepancies & consumer protection law violations impacting stunting reduction.

Abstract

In Indonesiam there are still discrepancies in labels, nutritional value information (NVI), nutrient content and nutritional claims found in processed food products from several studies that have been conducted, including commercial complementary foods. This research aims to analyze the suitability of nutritional labels, the suitability of nutritional value information, the suitability of nutritional substances, and the suitability of nutritional claims on commercial complementary foods product packaging in overcoming the acceleration of stunting reduction in toddlers. The type of research used is exploratory using a descriptive-qualitative method design by collecting the necessary data from commercial complementary foods product packaging labels, then it is described in its entirety and an overview is given regarding conformity to the label, inclusion of NVI, nutritional content, and nutritional claims. based on existing laws and regulations in Indonesia. A discrepancy was found in the product label for the minimum information category (list of ingredients used) and other information (product designation); The inclusion of NVI is in accordance with the standards; Discrepancies were found in protein content, several vitamins and minerals; Discrepancies were found in claims for iron sources and protein sources; Several violations were found regarding label suitability, nutritional content, and nutritional claims based on Law No. 1 Year 1999 regarding Consumer Protection. There are still discrepancies found in labeling, some nutritional content based on standards, and nutritional claims for iron sources and nutritional claims for protein sources.

Review

This study addresses a critically important topic concerning the quality and regulatory compliance of commercial complementary foods in Indonesia, particularly given its implications for stunting reduction efforts. The research meticulously aims to evaluate the suitability of nutritional labels, nutritional value information (NVI), nutrient content, and nutritional claims against existing Indonesian laws and regulations. Using an exploratory descriptive-qualitative method, the authors systematically collected data from product packaging, providing a comprehensive overview of conformity. The premise of identifying discrepancies in such products is highly relevant for consumer protection and public health policy, underscoring the potential impact of mislabeled or non-compliant foods on the nutritional well-being of toddlers. The findings reveal significant and concerning discrepancies across various categories. Notably, violations were identified in the minimum information category (list of ingredients) and product designation on labels, suggesting fundamental issues in consumer transparency. While the inclusion of NVI generally met standards, inconsistencies in the declared protein content and several crucial vitamins and minerals are particularly troubling, as these directly affect the nutritional adequacy of the foods for growing children. Furthermore, the discovery of discrepancies in claims for iron and protein sources, juxtaposed against Law No. 1 Year 1999 on Consumer Protection, highlights serious regulatory breaches that could mislead consumers and exacerbate nutritional deficiencies. These detailed findings provide a valuable baseline for understanding the current landscape of commercial complementary foods in the Indonesian market. Despite its valuable insights, the study's descriptive-qualitative nature, as presented in the abstract, implies a potential limitation regarding the generalizability of its findings without information on the sample size or selection methodology. Future research could benefit from a more quantitative approach to assess the prevalence and magnitude of these discrepancies across a broader market segment. Nevertheless, the identified violations underscore an urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement by authorities and enhanced vigilance from manufacturers to ensure adherence to labeling and nutritional standards. The implications are substantial for consumer protection, public health policy, and the national agenda to combat stunting, warranting immediate attention from all stakeholders to rectify these identified issues.

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