Food labelling is an important aspect of food packaging that provides consumers with information about the contents and nutritional value of the product. In this document, we will discuss some general guidelines on how to properly label food products. If your company needs new food labels, consider the branded food labels EU.
Overview of Food Labelling
Food labelling is a legal requirement in most countries to ensure that consumers are well-informed about the food they consume. It includes information on the ingredients, allergens, nutritional value, and storage instructions. In some cases, it also includes country of origin and production dates.
Mandatory Information
There are certain pieces of information that are mandatory for food labels, including:
- Product name: The main identifying feature of the product, which should match the name used on the packaging.
- List of ingredients: This includes all components of the product ordered by weight, with allergens highlighted in bold or a specific font.
- Net quantity: The amount of food contained in the package, usually listed in metric units (grams or millilitres).
- Date marking: A date indicating when the product should be consumed by (e.g. “best before” or “use by”).
- Name and address of manufacturer/packager: This refers to the legal entity responsible for producing or packaging the food.
- Country of origin: The country where the food was grown, raised, caught, or manufactured.
- In addition to these mandatory fields, some countries may also require information such as storage instructions, nutritional labeling, and warning statements (e.g. “Contains caffeine”).
Proper Placement
The mandatory information should be placed in a clear and conspicuous manner on the food label. This means that it should be easily readable and not hidden or obscured by other design elements. The size of the text should also be appropriate for the package size so that it is clearly legible. In general, the mandatory information should be placed together on one panel of the package (e.g. front, back, side). The font and background colour should also provide sufficient contrast for easy reading.
Additional Information
In addition to the mandatory information, there may be other useful details that can be included on food labels. These can include:
- Nutritional information: This includes the amount of calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients present in the product.
- Health claims: Statements that link a particular nutrient or ingredient to a specific health benefit, such as “high in calcium for strong bones”.
- Organic/Non-GMO labeling: If the food is certified organic or does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), these labels can be included.
It is important to note that any additional information must be accurate and not misleading to consumers. Health claims, in particular, are strictly regulated and must have scientific evidence to support them. Inaccurate or false information on food labels can have serious consequences for both consumers and manufacturers.
Conclusion
Proper food labelling is essential for providing consumers with the necessary information to make informed choices about their food. By following these general guidelines, manufacturers and packagers can ensure that their product labels are clear, accurate, and comply with relevant regulations. So, it is important to carefully consider all the required information and its placement on food labels to provide consumers with the most accurate and helpful information. Remember, a consumer’s health is in your hands – so make sure your labeling is up to standard! With proper food labeling, we can all make more informed choices about the foods we consume and promote overall health and well-being. Let’s work together to make food labeling a priority for the benefit of everyone.