Quality evaluation and compliance with labeling on energy drinks, sports drinks and oral serums in accordance with ecuadorian regulations

Abstract

In Ecuador, the Organic Law of Consumer Defense mentions in Art. 14 the minimum labeling of foods, without prejudice to the provisions of the Ecuadorian Technical Standards (NTE) of the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization (INEN), manufacturers and suppliers must display labeling is mandatory, the information of which must be adequate, truthful, timely, and complete on food products for human consumption. This research was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the quality, according to NTE INEN 2411-1 requirements for energy drinks and NTE INEN 2304-1 requirements for non-carbonated drinks; through tests of pH, soluble solids (°Brix), net content (mL) and percentage of titratable acidity (%), in addition to compliance with the minimum labeling criteria according to (NTE) INEN 1334 Requirements for the labeling of foods for human consumption, part 1-2-3 of energy drinks, sports drinks and oral serums that are marketed in the city of Santo Domingo-Ecuador. Five commercial brands of each type of drink were selected, purchased in local stores, pharmacies and supermarkets. pH from 2.0 to 5.0; soluble solids 0-15°Brix and titratable acidity 0.1 to 0.5% established in NTE 2411-1 and 2304-1, we can say that all types of beverages and brands meet the requirements. Through a checklist of the labeling criteria established in NTE INEN 1334 Requirements for the labeling of foods for human consumption, we can mention that the analyzed drinks comply with the regulations, thus guaranteeing quality and safety to consumers.