Allergens

How do I know what food labelling is required on my products?

Prepacked foods are subject to labelling requirements. The information required on food labels depends how the food is sold. For example if it it is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) at the same catering establishment as it was prepared or if it is sold indirectly to the customer through another business e.g. a retailer (prepacked foods).

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What labelling is required for foods “pre-packed for direct sale”?

Foods which are prepared and packaged for sale at the same premises for sale directly to the consumer (PPDS)must be labelled with:

The product name
A full list if ingredients
The specified allergens highlighted in the ingredients list
Allergen information (or a notice advising that this is available on request)

What is “pre-packed” food?

“Pre-packed food” is food which has been put into packaging before being offered for sale to the customer. Pre-packed food does not include foods packed on the premises at the customer’s request or foods “pre-packed for direct sale(PPDS)”. This is prepacked food sold indirectly to the consumer via another caterer or retailer.

It maybe that your business sells prepacked foods that have been produced by anther food business/food manufacturer. Take a moment to check the labelling on these products and ensure they meet the following requirements:

What labelling is required for “pre-packed” foods?

The following information is required in English on pre-packed food labelling:

The food name
A list of ingredients, in descending order, by weight
A percentage quantity indication for certain ingredients or categories of ingredients (also known as a “QUID” declaration)
A use-by date or an indication of minimum durability (in the form “best before” or “best before end”). A lot or batch number may also be added (unless the date is sufficient to specify this)
The net quantity
Any special storage or use conditions
The name and address of the food business
Country of origin, if its omission could mislead
Any instructions that are necessary to use the food
Nutrition information – values for energy and the six nutrients
If the product contains any additives (such as colours or preservatives) its name or ‘E’ number must be preceded by the category name of the principal function of the additive in the ingredients list
Specified allergenic ingredients must be indicated in the ingredients list of pre-packed food by means of highlighting the allergen font
Food or ingredients that have been irradiated must be declared and labelled “irradiated” or “treated with ionising radiation”
Food or ingredients that contain, consist of, or are produced from genetically modified organisms must be labelled as such

For more information on food labelling requirements refer to FSA guidance https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/packaging-and-labelling

There may be exemptions to some of the more complex labelling requirements for small food businesses that produce a low turnover of prepacked products. It may be worth checking these requirements and getting advice on labelling from your local Trading Standards Services.

Food Standards (the requirements for food labelling and claims) are usually enforced by Trading Standards Officers.