Food labelling and composition

What needs to be on a food label?

The labelling requirements are very complex, and vary from product to product. There are certain basic requirements for all food labels. They are as follows:

• A food name - this should be the one that is required by law or a customary name. If neither of these apply, the name must be sufficiently precise to inform a purchaser of the food's true nature, and distinguish it from products with which it could be confused. (Note: a brand name or fancy name can still be used provided it is not substituted for the proper name.)
• A list of ingredients, in descending order, by weight.
• A % quantity indication for certain ingredients or categories of ingredients.
• A 'use by', 'best before' or 'best before end' date, or possibly a lot or batch number.
• Any special storage or use conditions.
• The name and address of the manufacturer, packer or seller.
• Place of origin, if its omission could mislead.
• Any instructions that are necessary to use the food.

Some products also have specific additional labelling requirements

For example:

• Meat products may require a % water content declaration.
• Jam requires a fruit and sugar (soluble solids) content declaration.
• Chocolate requires a % cocoa solids declaration and milk chocolate requires a % milk solids declaration.
• Beef is required to be labelled with specific origin and traceability information.
• Baby food requires a statement of the minimum age of child for which it is suitable and a specific nutritional declaration.

Labelling claims

• If a food makes any sort of slimming claim, or that it has extra vitamins or minerals, or is low in some nutrient, some additional information has to be given, including nutritional information, which has to be stated in a certain way.
• There are special rules concerning the labelling of food as 'organic'.
• There are guidelines to be followed when words such as 'natural' are used.
• There are guidelines to be considered concerning descriptions of foods as suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
• There are additional requirements should an ingredient be given special emphasis.
• There are special considerations relating to the use of illustrations.