The label communicates to the consumer the transparency and value of the company
Food labelling is one of the most complex issues for businesses to manage. Whoever markets a food must be familiar with both the general rules for the presentation and advertising of the product and the technical rules specific to each product.
FBOs (Food Business Operators) must guarantee consumers access to information and the right to health. Consumers must be aware of the products they buy and the FBO are responsible for communication compliance and fair competition. They are also responsible for managing any emergencies due to states of crisis and health alerts, through the recall or withdrawal from the market of foods potentially hazardous to health.
The rules on food labelling are rapidly evolving with more restrictions both in EU and non- EU countries and leave no room for improvisation or superficiality. Therefore, companies must ensure that the list of ingredients (including allergens and any additives) complies with regulations. They must also ensure that ingredients are used in the quantities and/or for the types of applications defined in the laws of each country in which the product is marketed.
The EU Regulation 1169/2011 “on the provision of food information to consumers” is a complex document and difficult to interpret. To draw up a food label in accordance with the law, a thorough professional preparation is required. It must deal not only with the legislative aspects but also with information relating to the different ingredients which, in the form of raw materials and/or semi-finished products, come from different suppliers also located in various countries.
G&A Food Labelling Services
It is important to rely on specialists with a broad vision of the market and integrated skills in the field, such as the G&A Team. We support our customers in making safe products, enhancing communication and guaranteeing correct information to consumers.
- Preliminary evaluation of the process
- Nutritional evaluation of the product
- Validation of labelling and product data sheet
Food information is defined as “information concerning a food and made available to the final consumer by the means of a label, other accompanying material or any other means, including modern technology tools or verbal communication”.
The label is defined as “any trademark, brand, sign, image or other graphic representation written, printed, stamped, marked, embossed or impressed on, or accompanying the packaging or container of a food”.
On 25 October 2011 the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 “on the provision of food information to consumers”. To increase legal certainty and to ensure a rational and consistent application of the legislation, it first repealed Directives 2000/13/EC (food labelling) and 90/496/EEC (nutrition labelling). Then, it has replaced them with a single, updated regulation.