The vitamin C labelling in selected local juice drinks was evaluated by comparison of samples collected in 1983 and 1989; validity of label claims; product differences; and contributions to the RDA of 10-12 years old children. In 1983, 19 out of 27 products (70%) analyzed for vitamin C content, claimed vitamin C in their labels, either qualitatively (added/enriched/fortified) or quantitatively (9-60 mg/100 g). Actual assays showed contents ranging from less than 0.5 mg/100 g (or traces) to 58 mg/100 g. In 1989, 12 out of 15 products (80%) likewise made vitamin C claims with actual assays revealing levels from traces to 53 mg/100 g. Interestingly, the product with the highest values in both 1983 and 1989; which was packed in plastic bottle, did not bear any vitamin C claim. A comparison of the 1983 and 1989 figures, using 8 products existing in 1983 which were perceived to be popular in 1989, showed that the 1983 vitamin C analyses did not differ significantly from their 1989 assays. The 1989 label claims were validated in 3 tetra brik-packed and 1 foil laminate-packed juice drinks, out of 6 products bearing quantified claims. In contrast, the label claims of the 2 other products, all foil laminate-packed, were found to be 70-99% overstated based on actual assays, indicating either deliberate mislabelling or vitamin C loss related to packaging and storage. These mislabelled products were already existing in 1983, suggesting a lack of attempts at vitamin C monitoring and improvement during the intervening 6 years. The increasing use of vitamin C labelling in juice drinks to gain competitive advantage and the apparent unregulated mislabelling in these products call for, not only a product vitamin C assurance program among juice drinks producers but also a surveillance system by government and consumers alike. (Author)

J Nutr-Diet Assoc Philipp, 1989 3 ( 4) pages 135-141