Government notifies Nestlé for honey-free oatmeal cookie

Nestlé Brasil was notified by Senacon (Secretariat Nacional do Consumidor) for alleged deceptive advertising on packaging of Nesfit branded cookies.

The notification was made last Tuesday (7th), after a complaint by Idec (Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection) regarding information on labels and in the list of ingredients used in products, which do not contain the honey mentioned on the packaging as an ingredient. .

In the complaint, Idec pointed out that the Nesfit line of cookies: Oatmeal and Honey; Nesfit Milk and Honey; Nesfit Cookie Cocoa, Oats and Honey; and Nesfit Matinal Mel com Alêndoas, despite having the word honey in the name, including the food highlighted on the packaging, they do not include the ingredient in the list of their composition.

In the assessment of the institute, the disparity of information between the advertising and the list of ingredients violates the rights of consumers and constitutes misleading advertising, since it can mislead the consumer in relation to the characteristics of a product. Idec argued that the products have honeycomb images on the packaging and other elements and signs directly related to the ingredient.

Through the press office, Nestlé reported that it has not yet been officially communicated by Senacon. In a note, the company said that, in relation to the products mentioned, the honey alludes to the product as a flavor reference and the packages contain the information that they are illustrative images.

“The company also reinforces that it complies with all Brazilian legislation and standards in relation to its products and packaging and that it routinely reassesss its portfolio according to nutrition, health and well-being standards, at different stages of people’s lives, to ensure products to help them meet their nutritional needs and a balanced diet”.

“In addition to the absence of honey and the packaging elements, which sell the idea of ​​a more natural and healthy product, food additives of the flavoring type were also identified in the products and a high concentration of sugars present in their composition”, said Idec.

With the notification, Nestlé will have ten working days to explain the information on the labels of these products. If the company does not respond within the deadline, from the date of receipt of the notification, administrative proceedings may be initiated against the company.

Senacon, which is linked to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, also said that it asked Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) for an opinion on divergent information between labels and ingredients.

“In this way, Nestlé Brasil will also have to prove the use of the images used in relation to the ingredients of the products. The objective is to offer adequate information to consumers, especially on the amount of added sugars and total sugars, according to the regulations of nutritional labeling of packaged foods determined by Anvisa”, informed the Senacon.