Food Regulations made easy
Loose food labelling
Separate rules apply to foods sold loose (not pre-packed) and to very small packs.
There are currently some forty separate regulations covering labelling so the rules are complex.
Food Solutions is most concerned at proposals to make nutition labelling mandatory for non-pre-packed foods.
Subscribe now, make compliance easier. john@food-solutions.org
Dates on labels
It is a legal requirement that all pre-packed foods are labelled with a durability date.
There are three dates you might see.
- use by
- best before
- sell by/display until
Which date is critical to food safety? Is it legal to sell food after the sell by date?
Is food safe to eat after a best before date?
Food Solutions answers these questions in our Quick Reference Handbook and in more detail in Understanding Food Hygiene and Safety Regulations Handbook.
Egg stamps and labels
What are the rules on selling eggs? Sell by and use by dates for eggs are explained by Food Solutions.
Egg marking codes denoting production method and origin are discussed in depth in the handbook or ehandbook.
There are currently 87 pieces of EU and UK legislation egg producers should be aware of.
Food Labelling - practical guidance
Labelling is a huge subject which affects most food businesses. We have spent much time and effort developing our Practical Guidance on Food Labelling eHandbook.
We do not attempt to tell you everything about labelling, the result would be a vast tome, however there are basic requirements and we detail where to find specific help if you need it.
Get your labels right and save money
Ascertaining whether your products are correctly labelled is vital - an incorrect label could deem your product unsafe and require an expensive withdrawal or recall.
If you label your products, you need to get it right.
Sign up for our free newsletter, we will send you more details of our Practical Guidance on Food Labelling and how you can access it and check your labels comply with the new rules.
Our Food Labelling Guidance forms part of our subscriber package. Subscribe to access this important information. Easy to understand, all in one place.
Please contact john@food-solutions.org for subscription details.
New Labelling Proposal
The Labelling Regulation was voted on in the European Parliament in early July 2011. We have produced a resume of the main changes for caterers, retailers and producers. This is free to Food Solutions Food Safety System subscribers.
The new Labelling Proposal last year tabled some 575 amendments.
The FIR became law on 13th December 2011, so now is the time to make sure your labels comply with the new requirements
COOL labelling
In June last year, MEPs voted to extend Country of Origin Labelling to other single ingredient products (beef must be labelled with country of origin already) including meat, poultry and dairy products.
In July 2011 the European Parliament voted to extend COOL to meat from pigs, goats, sheep and poultry. In any other product, COOL must be declared if not to do so would mislead the consumer.
Currently, there is a "last sustantial change clause" which allows a product which is cured or processed in country x to be labelled as "produced in country x".
Food Solutions has access to the Commission through its links with UEAPME. Your views count, let us speak for you where and when it counts.
Contact john@food-solutions.org for subscription options.
Food Labelling
Certain information must by law be included on food labels. This is mandatory labelling information. It includes:
- name of product
- net quantity
- date of minimum durability
- allergen information
Allergen labelling is important, deaths from allergic reactions do occur. You have a legal duty to your customers.
Health claims indicating a food has health benefits must be backed up by scientific evidence. There is currently a large backlog of claims evidence being evaluated.
Other information may be included voluntarily.
Food Solutions explains in simple language what the law says you must do to comply.
Subscribe and comply easily - john@food-solutions.org for more.