The European Union Approves New Food Labeling and Packaging Regulations

The European Union Regulation No. 1169/2011 on food labeling and packaging was formally approved in November 2011 through publication in the Official Journal. The regulation sets forth new rules regarding mandatory information to consumers and is expected to provide more clarity about the elements contained in food products offered to European consumers.

Some of the provisions set out under the new regulations, include:

• Mandatory food information will appear in a language easily understood by the consumers of the member states where a food is marketed and shall be available and easily accessible.
• Mandatory food information shall appear directly on the package or on the label for pre-packaged food. Specifically, allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the ingredient list on pre-packaged foods.
• Foods that have been frozen before sale, but are sold defrosted, must be labeled as “defrosted.”
• Companies must label food products to disclose the energy content (calories) as well as fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt.
• Nutrition values must be stated in tabular form on the packaging and all information must be expressed per 100g or per 100 ml.
• Member states must decide the best method for alerting consumers to allergenic substances in non-packaged foods sold in restaurants.

While the majority of rules will be implemented within three years, the nutrition labeling rules will be enforced on December 13, 2016.