The new EU Food Information Regulation (FIR), which was published in November 2011, enters fully into force on 13^th December 2014. The FIR streamlines current legislation on food labelling and nutrition labelling into a single EU regulation, and also introduces new labelling requirements. The current EC Directive 90/496/EEC on nutrition labelling for foodstuffs and EC Directive 2000/13/EC on food labelling will be repealed.

The key changes are summarised below:

There is a minimum font size for mandatory labelling information.

Mandatory information includes

-          Name of Food

-          Ingredients list

-          Information on allergens

-          Quantity

-          Durability code

-          Storage conditions

-          Name of the Food Business Operator

-          Country of Origin

-          Instructions for use

-          Alcohol By Volume (if applicable)

-          Nutrition declaration (irrespective on whether there is a claim on pack)

The categories of most significant change in the mandatory information are allergens, which will have to be highlighted in the ingredients list and the requirement to declare nutrition information.

There are amends to almost every category of mandatory information as well as some additional product specific requirements.

Additional voluntary information declarations under FIR include nutrition signposts, which have in the past been called ‘traffic lights’. There are strict rules on how these are declared with regard to portions and nutrients.

Using our professional and expert services, we will help you ensure that your labels are FIR compliant.