The Food Labelling Regulations 1996

Pre-Packed Food

• What types of food are covered by this fact sheet?
• How should the food be labelled?
• Where should the details appear?
• What happens if the food or labels are not correct - will I commit an offence?

What types of food are covered by this fact sheet?

Pre-packed foods which are ready for sale to a member of the public or a restaurant, canteen, pub, school etc (ie a catering establishment).

How should the food be labelled?

There is a general labelling requirement, and all food to which this applies must be marked or labelled with:

1 The Name of the Food

1. If there is a name required by law, then that name must be used. Certain specified names should not be used unless the food satisfies the appropriate compositional requirements.
2. If there is no name required by law, then a customary name may be used ie one which is customary in the area where the food is sold eg black pudding.
3. If neither of the names under (a) or (b) are used then the name used must be sufficiently precise to inform a purchaser of the true nature of the food.

Trade marks, brand names or fancy names cannot be substituted for the name of the food. If the food has been subjected to a treatment eg frozen or is in a certain condition eg dried then the name shall include or be accompanied by that condition or treatment.

2 A List of Ingredients

Includes additives and water. The list must be headed or include the word 'ingredients'. To be listed in descending order by weight at the time they were used when the food was prepared.

3 Minimum Durability Indication

Most foods are required to carry a date mark. Foods which are highly perishable and may constitute a danger to human health after a short period must bear a "Use by" date. Otherwise a "Best Before" date should be given.

The method of marking which is always acceptable is either "Use by" or "Best Before" followed by a date giving day, month and year. Alternative methods are acceptable in certain circumstances - please ask for details.

4 Special Storage Conditions or Conditions of Use

If there are any, these must be marked.

5 Name and Address

This must be name or business name and address or registered office of the manufacturer, packer, or seller established within the EC.

6 Place or Origin

To be given if purchaser could be misled as to the true origin of the food.

7 Instruction for Use

These must be given if it would be difficult to make the right use of the food without these instructions.

Where should the details appear?

The required information must be marked:-

1. On the packaging, or
2. On a label attached to the packaging or
3. On a label that is clearly visible through the packaging. It must be easy to understand, clearly legible, indelible, marked in a conspicuous place and not hidden, obscured or interrupted by any other written or pictorial matter. The name of the food, the minimum durability information (where required), the indication of quantity (where required by Weights and Measures Act 1985) must all appear in the same field of vision. For further details on weight marking of pre-packed foods please refer to your local Trading Standards.

What happens if the food or labels are not correct - will I commit an offence?

Yes. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £5,000 for each contravention.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
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