The pilot comparison of meat product's composition bearingot-bearing nutrition claims marketed in the Czech Republic

摘要

The aim of this pilot study was to overlook situation related to nutrition/health claims stated on meat products (MPs) marketed in the Czech Republic. We observed only very limited number of MPs bearing claims. We collected and compared chemical composition of 5 MPs bearing nutrition claims to 5 products from the same producer, with the same name, but without any claim in order to test the compliance with legal requirements and understand nutritional/health advantages for consumers. Samples were purchased from July to September 2010 in 6 major retail chains. Most of mentioned nutrition claims were related to reduce fat content declared as "Light", "Fit" and "-Fitness". One claim was formulated as "Healthier MP Fit" but it was more related to the nutrition than health claim - increased content of omega 3 fatty acids (FA) group. Surprisingly, no claim dealt with reduced amount of sodium/salt. The analyses of total fat, FA composition and sodium content were made in accredited laboratories. These substances are in MP seen, in terms of consumer's healthy diet, as less appropriate. Nutrition claims on all five MPs referring to the amount of reduced fat and added omega 3 FA complied with legal requirements. We recognized that number of MPs bearing nutrition/health claims on the Czech market is limited. Chemical composition of some claimed MPs such as sodium level can be even higher or unchanged comparing with products without claim. In this reason, these claimed MPs could be seen as a bit misleading for consumers looking for healthier diet.