161x Filetype PPTX File size 1.07 MB Source: commnet.eu
Labelling Pre-packaged foods have information on their labels which can help consumers choose between different foods, brands, or flavours. Much of the information must be provided by EU law. • Directive 2000/13/EC on labelling, presentation and advertising of foods applies until 12/12/2014 • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers will apply from 13/12/2013 (sometimes referred to as EU FIC) Information for consumers The following information must appear by law on food labels: • the name of the food; • weight or volume; • ingredient list; • allergen information; • genetically modified (GM) ingredients; • date mark and storage conditions; • preparation instructions; • name and address of manufacturer, packer or seller; • place of origin; • lot (or batch) mark; • nutrition information (from 2016 onwards). Additional information may also be provided, such as cooking instructions or serving suggestions. The name of the food It is important that the name of the food must be clearly stated and not be ambiguous or misleading. If the food has been processed in some way, the process must be included in the title if it would be misleading not to, e.g. dried apricots, salted peanuts, smoked bacon. The name must also describe the differences between apparently similar products. For example, ‘fruit yogurt’ differentiates it from yogurt using artificial flavourings. Sometimes foods have made up names, e.g. ‘Bonzo’ which give no information about what is in them or how they have been processed. In such cases, a description of the food must be given. Weight or volume The weight or volume of the food must be shown on the label. By comparing the weight with the price of different brands, consumers can make sure that they are getting value for money. Some foods tend to be sold in standard amounts e.g. butter and bread. Ingredients All of the ingredients of a product are listed in descending order of weight, according to the amounts that were used to make the food. Food additives and water must also be included in the list if they have been added. The amount of ingredients used in a product will also be stated where: • The ingredient (e.g. prawn curry) or category of ingredients (e.g. vegetable pie) appears in the name of the food. • It is usually associated with that name by the consumer e.g. lamb in shepherds pie. • It is emphasised by the labelling in words, pictures or graphics. • The ingredient is essential to characterise the food.
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