Labelling requirements for packaged foods

Question 1

Who sets out the labelling requirements for packaged foods?

Answer 1

The requirements have been set out by the FIC Regulations 2011

Question 2

List the labelling requirements for packaged foods

11

Answer 2

Name of the food 
List of ingredients in descending order of weight 
Declaration of allergens 
Quantity of certain ingredients 
Net quantity 
Date of minimum durability 
Special Storage instructions 
Name and address of the food
Country of origin 
Instructions for use 
Alcoholic strength

Question 3

Why is the list of ingredients in descending order of weight required on a label?

Answer 3

This enables consumers to see exactly what ingredients are used in foods

Question 4

How should declaration of allergens be displayed on labels?

Answer 4

They should be declared in the ingredients list with their names emphasised to ensure consumers can clearly distinguish them

Question 5

Why do allergens need to be displayed on labels?

Answer 5

This enables consumers to reduce their risk of suffering an allergic reaction

Question 6

Why does the quantity of certain ingredients need to be displayed on a label?

Answer 6

This helps consumers compare the composition of the main ingredients in similar food products

Question 7

How should the quantity of certain ingredients be displayed on a label?

Answer 7

They should be displayed in percentage terms and should appear beside the name of the food or in the ingredients list

Question 8

What is net quantity?

Answer 8

This is the weight or volume of a food that does not include the packaging material

Question 9

Why is net quantity displayed on a label?

Answer 9

This enables consumers to determine how many portions or servings the food product will yield

Question 10

What is the date of minimum durability?

Answer 10

This is the date until the quality of a food that has been properly stored can be guaranteed

Question 11

What are two two types of date of minimum durability that can be displayed on a label?

Answer 11

Use-by date

Best before date

Question 12

What is the use-by date?

Answer 12

This is found on food that is highly perishable, food that has gone past its use-by date is dangerous for human consumption

Question 13

What is the best before date?

Answer 13

This is found on non-perishable food, this is the date up until which a food can be reasonably be expected to retain its optimum quality

Question 14

Why is the date of minimum durability displayed on a label?

Answer 14

These enable consumers to compare dates on food and ensure they are choosing the freshest products

Question 15

Why are special storage instructions displayed on a label?

Answer 15

This enables consumers to reduce the rate at which the food they purchased spoils

Question 16

What types of foods have to have their country of origin displayed?
(5)

Answer 16

Poultry 
Fish 
Beef 
Honey 
Or on products that may have misleading titles e.g. "American-Style Cookies"

Question 17

Give an example of instructions that can be displayed on labelling

Answer 17

Preparation or cooking instruction

Question 18

Why is instructions for use displayed on labelling?

Answer 18

This enables consumers to purchase food products that suit their cooking appliances and equipment

Question 19

What type of beverages need their alcoholic strength to be displayed?

Answer 19

This is required for beverages with more than 1.2% alcohol by volume