QUID labelling, meaning the quantitative indication of ingredients, is the requirement under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 to declare the percentage of an ingredient by mass where that ingredient is named or pictured on the label or is essential to characterise the food.
In trade practice
The QUID percentage is calculated at the mixing or recipe stage, not at the finished-product stage, which means water absorbed during processing is factored in for certain product types. For products such as fruit preparations, honey blends or vegetable mixes where the named component is highlighted in the product name or imagery, suppliers must calculate and declare the correct percentage in the ingredients list. Label compliance reviewers frequently identify errors where the QUID has been calculated on the finished weight rather than the recipe weight, or where a pictured ingredient has been omitted from the QUID requirement. Buyers commissioning private-label products should request the recipe calculation as part of the label approval pack.
In a specification
Label specifications should identify which ingredients require a QUID declaration, state the calculation method to be used, and require the supplier to provide the supporting recipe calculation for audit purposes.