SGS Helps Manufacturers Implement the New EU Food Labeling Regulations

Athens, Greece, April 17, 2015 --(PR.com)-- New EU food labeling rules came into force in December 2014 after a three-year transitional period. However, differences of interpretation have impacted its successful implementation.

Food Allergens Labeling

EU Regulation 1169/2011 has introduced rules for the mandatory provision of allergen information of both pre-packed and non-pre-packed foods. Article 21 of the new EU labeling requirements for food harmonizes the way allergen information must be provided on foods.

Allergenic substances or products containing substances originating from them must be listed on the food product nutrition label and be emphasized through a typeset that clearly distinguishes it from the rest of the list.

Implementation of the New EU Food Labeling Regulation

The transition period came to an end on December 13, 2014. Industry stakeholders and keen-eyed consumers alike will have seen these changes appearing on packages already. There has however, been some confusion as different operators have interpreted the new regulations differently. In addition, the non-pre-packed food sector is experiencing issues in adapting to this approach.

Across the food sector every stakeholder has a responsibility under the regulation to ensure that the foods they supply are compliant. Food business operators that do not affect food information must not supply food that they know, or presume, to be non-compliant with the regulation, or relevant national provisions.

Sector Specific Issues for Food Labeling

Some sector specific issues have been identified. In the travel retail sector, global travel and global supply chains mean that suppliers do not always know in which market, or member state, a product will be placed by retailers. This can mean that where a market specific language is used, it may not be appropriate for the majority of customers, for example, on an international flight. The competing, un-harmonized, demands of CODEX and EU standards are a barrier to trade.

In the restaurant/take away sector the new EU food labeling regulations are having perhaps the greatest impact. Until now, mandatory food information was focused on the packaging label. Now though, non-pre-packed foods served by commercial caterers such as takeaways, restaurants, cafes, etc. fall within the scope of regulation 1169/2011.

The regulation states that the food business operator responsible for providing nutritional and allergen information is the business under whose name, or business name, the food is sold to the end consumer. Allergen advice on all their food products must now be made available to consumers before they make a decision to purchase.

Labeling Information Beyond Food Allergens

For pre-packed foods, the new EU labeling requirements for food go beyond allergens. In an effort to increase consumer understanding of food nutrition labels, the new regulation also covers:

Consumers must be informed of the presence of nano materials in pre-packed foods and they must be appropriately labeled in the ingredients list.

Recognizing that consumers can only use information they can access and read to support purchasing decisions, food regulation 1169/2011 sets a mandatory minimum font size for all pre-packed food packaging.

Honesty in food labeling: wording on pre-packed food packaging must now comply with guidelines devised to ensure that consumers are better informed about the ingredients in the food they eat.

Food scandals have made consumers more wary about the origins of food products, especially meat products. Following the example of the beef labeling rules already in place, the new food information regulation now extends mandatory origin labeling to fresh meat from pigs, poultry, sheep and goats. Mandatory with effect from April 1, 2015, the new labeling must include country of rearing and slaughter.

The European Commission continues to work on developing studies and guidelines on food information and food labeling to help ensure consumer safety and transparency in the supply chain.

About SGS Food Safety Services

With a worldwide network of food experts, SGS can conduct nutritional tests, food label reviews and nutritional labeling assessments (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Food/Processors-and-Suppliers/Testing-and-Analytical-Services/Food-Label-Reviews-and-Nutritional-Analysis.aspx) to ensure compliance, globally.

For further information, please contact an SGS expert.

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.