Labeling Prepacked Food
It is essential that prepacked food is labeled and specific essential information is shown. Generally, all food must follow food labeling requirements, and all the labels provided on food should not be misleading.
Although, product-specific regulations usually control some specific foods. These include:
- Foods that contain genetic modification
- Irradiated food
- Sugars
- Spreadable fats
- Natural mineral waters
- Fish
- Meat products like pies, burgers, and sausages
- Marmalade and jams
- Infant formula
- Nectars and fruit juices
- Honey
- Milk products
- Soluble coffee
- Chocolate and cocoa products
- Bread and flour
FSA Explains: Compositional standards
What Has To Be included: By law, the provided information has to appear on food packaging and labels:
The Food’s Name: The food’s name should not be misleading. Instead, it should be clearly stated on the labeling.
Suppose there is a name that the law prescribes. In that case, it must be used: A customary name should be used in case there is no legal name. Usually, a customary name is a name that is popularly used and understood by consumers. It must have been established with time like ‘BLT’, which refers to bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
If there is no customary name or the customary name is not used, the food’s descriptive name has to be provided. The name must be well described to ensure that consumers are well informed about the food’s nature and allow the food to be well distinguished from similar products. Plenty of products often fall into this category and need a descriptive name.
It is worth mentioning that the process of any processed food – including dried fruit, salted peanuts, smoked bacon, etc. – must be included in its title. This rule also applies to slightly processed foods. Processed food refers to edibles that have been altered in any way while being prepared.
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List Of Ingredients
Any food with two or multiple ingredients, including additives and water, must list all the ingredients. Usually, these are listed under the title ‘ingredients or a different fitting title that includes the word ‘ingredients.
The ingredients have to be listed according to their weight. The primary ingredient has to come first based on the amount used to make that food. However, specific food may be excluded from showcasing an ingredient list—for instance, foods with one ingredient, carbonated water, vegetables, and fruits.
Quantitative Declaration Of Ingredients
Essentially, quantitative declaration of ingredients lets the consumer know the ingredient percentage found in a specific food product. This information is needed if the category of ingredient or the ingredient in question:
- Is crucial in characterizing the food and distinguishing it from other products that it could easily be confused with due to its appearance or name.
- Is emphasized on the labeling in graphics, pictures, or words.
- Appears on the food’s name or is often related to that name by consumers.
A category of ingredient or the ingredient’s quantity indication must:
- Appear immediately next to the name or in the name of the food or the list of ingredients. It should also be connected to the category of ingredients or the ingredient in question.
- Be showcased as a percentage corresponding to the ingredient(s) at the time of use.
Allergen Information
Just as with ingredients, the law dictates that all food products with the 14 allergens should list them. Besides being listed, the allergens should be emphasized in the ingredient list.
Allergens must be highlighted on the label by bolding the text, using a different background color, style, or font. Doing so allows consumers to understand the ingredients in packaged food better. Additionally, it is helpful to individuals with food intolerances and allergies who should avoid specific foods.
