Adherence to legislative labeling of cooked sausages on the serbian market

Abstract

The most common form of communication between producers and consumers is a food labelling that provides essential and necessary information to consumers at the time of purchase. The correct declaration provides answers to questions about product safety and quality, information about technological innovations, prevents a negative impact on consumer delusion and deception, and above all on compliance with legal regulations. In addition, checking the declared parameters is of great importance for the protection of consumer health. The aim of the research is to screen the declaration of compliance with the legal labelling of cooked sausages on the Serbian market. In this study, a total of 60 samples of meat products from the group of cooked sausages were analysed. 30 samples from the subgroup of finely chopped sausage (Group I) and 30 samples from the subgroup of coarsely chopped sausage (Group II). The results show that in the first group, 19 (63.33%) samples have a specified country of origin, and 8 (26.67%) samples have a specified origin of meat as the main ingredient. In group II, 26 (86.67%) samples have a specified country of origin, and 14 (46.67%) specified the origin of meat as the main ingredient. 15 (50.00%) samples of Group I and 22 (73.33%) samples of Group II have a declared percentage of the main ingredient, of which only 2 (6.67%) samples of Group I and only 1 (3.33%) sample of group II have the listed category of meat as the main ingredient. 17 (56.67%) samples of Group I have a defined shelf life, storage conditions, and shelf life after opening. In group II, 21 (70%) samples have a defined shelf life, storage conditions, and shelf life after opening. Of the total examined samples, we can say that only 2 (6.67%) samples of Group I and only 1 (3.33%) sample of Group II have a complete declaration that meets the legal regulations on basic data that must appear on the declaration. The results show that in both examined groups 60 (100%) samples have correctly declared nutritional content. On the other hand, producers are aware of this, so they place special emphasis on that part - the nutritional value. However, the correct declaration and clear definition of all elements prescribed by legal regulations on the label of meat products is extremely important for the protection of consumer health. Food manufacturers, competent inspection services as well as food testing laboratories are responsible for compliance with labelling regulations. Deviation from these requirements raises questions about product quality and safety, has a negative impact on misconceptions and misleading consumers, and above all, disrespect and application of legal regulations. Food manufacturers need to improve food labelling to comply with regulations as well as to instil confidence in consumers. Correct interpretation enables information about the health, nutritional, and specific properties of the given product, and they also play a decisive role in the purchase decision.