Several studies have been carried over the last decades aiming at evaluating the effects of trans fatty acids on the organism and identifying their mechanism. However, only around one year ago it was included by law in the mandatory Brazilian nutritional food labeling. It now enables the consumer to control the consumption of trans fatty acids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compliance of foods with high content of trans fatty acids (biscuits, ice cream, chocolate, and fast-food) with the legislation and the daily consumption recommendation by the OMS. The evaluation of Nutrition labeling indicated that some samples do not comply with the new legislation. Analysis of the questionnaires identified that 39.7% of adults and 41.4% of children consume daily at least one food with high content of trans fatty acids. The ingestion of these products exceeds the daily recommendation. Adequate fiscalization and healthy diet programs should be stimulated.
trans fatty acids; consumption; nutrition labeling
