Plastic and paper labels.

LABELS AS A PRODUCT ID TOOL

Legislation defines labelling as the set of terms, brands, symbols, instructions and images that appear on labels, packaging and fasteners (caps etc.) on food products. None of this information should be misleading for consumers.

To prevent this labels must be:

• clearly legible
• easy to understand
• printed with permanent ink

Compulsory information

• trade name: name of the product
• list of ingredients and allergens
• list of additives: colourings, preservatives, anti-oxidants
• natural and artificial flavourings
• net amount
• production batch and use-by date
• methods of storage and use
• place of origin for unprocessed products
• place of last processing operation for processed products
• name and location of producer and packaging

OPTIONAL INFORMATION

• commercial brand or private label
• nutritional information (compulsory from 13.12.2016 onwards)
• barcode environmental labelling
• quantities
• organic brand, brands of origin: protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI), traditional specialities guaranteed (TSG).