FoodAndNutritionNetwork
What does the product tell me? - The law and labels
Richard HydeNorthumbria Law School
FoodAndNutritionNetwork
Information requirements – why do they matter?
• Information requirements not labelling requirements
• Two goals–Consumer choice–Public health
• Free movement within the EU – allows companies to use a single design within all 27 countries.
FoodAndNutritionNetwork
Information requirements – when do they apply?
• Pre-packaged foods (so does not apply to restaurants, or to food sold loose)
• That are sold to the consumer (or are packages for sale to the consumer)
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The evolution of a label
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Designing a label
• Must not be misleading• Must be accurate• Must not make health claims, unless these can
be scientifically verified• Mandatory food information
FoodAndNutritionNetwork
Mandatory Food Information
Name of Food
Ingredient List
Minimum Durability
Storage FBO
Allergy Notice
QuantitiesNet
weight
ProvenanceInstructions
for use
Alcoholic Strength
Nutrition Declaration
• Conspicuous• Visible• Legible• Indelible
Small Packages
Specific Foods?
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What’s on a label?
Nutrition Declaration
Ingredient List
Storage
QuantitiesName of Food
Net weight
FBO
Minimum Durability
Instructions for use
Allergy Notice
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Nutrition Declaration (per 100g/ml)
Energy Value
Sugars
Saturates
CarbohydratesProtein
Fats
Salt
FibreStarch
PolyolsMono-
unsaturates and Poly-unsaturates
Fiel
d of
Visi
on
Alternative: Nutrition per Portion
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How much is a portion?
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Vulnerable consumers and designing food packaging
• Visually impaired consumers• Minimum height requirements (1.2mm)• Consumers with reading difficulties• Consumers with allergies• Older consumers• Child consumers
This is the minimum size required.
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Designing a Label
RHBolognese
All natural goodnessReduces cholesterol
FoodAndNutritionNetwork
Mandatory Food Information
Name of Food
Ingredient List
Minimum Durability
Storage FBO
Allergy Notice
QuantitiesNet
weight
ProvenanceInstructions
for use
Alcoholic Strength
Nutrition Declaration
• Conspicuous• Visible• Legible• Indelible
Small Packages
Specific Foods?
FoodAndNutritionNetwork
Information outside the label
• Small packages• Distance selling of food products.
