Food Information Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 governs the provision of food information to consumers in the EU, setting mandatory label particulars, allergen declaration rules, nutrition labelling requirements and minimum legibility standards.
In trade practice
For prepacked frozen or dried food products, the regulation requires that mandatory information including the product name, ingredient list, allergen emphasis, net quantity, date marking and storage conditions appears on the label in a legible font. Allergens must be emphasised within the ingredient list through a distinct typographical format, and their omission or incorrect formatting is a frequent cause of enforcement action. Distance sellers, including those operating through online platforms, must make the same mandatory information available before purchase. Importers placing Ukrainian products on EU retail shelves are responsible for ensuring that labelling meets the regulation’s requirements in the language of the Member State of sale.
In a specification
A finished product specification should list each mandatory label element required by Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and confirm the language, font size and allergen formatting to be used on the final packaging.