The Food Labelling Regulations 1996

Food Sold At Catering Establishments
Food Labelling (Amendment) Regulations 1999

• What are the requirements for food sold to customers from catering establishments?
• What are the requirements for food sold from vending machines?
• What is the name of the food?
• What happens if the food or labels are incorrect - will I commit an offence?

What are the requirements for food sold to customers from catering establishments?

This applies to food sold from a restaurant, canteen, club, pub, school, hospital or other similar establishment (including a vehicle or a fixed or mobile stall), and where the food is ready for consumption by the customer without further preparation.

Generally for non-prepacked food or food packed on the same premises there are no labelling requirements. However, if a food has been irradiated or contains a food which has an irradiated ingredient or GM Maize/Soya or both, that food shall be marked with an indication of such treatment using the terms:

1. "irradiated" or
2. "treated with ionising irradiation" or
3. "some food sold on these premises contain ingredients from genetically modified Soya beans or maize (or both)" and that "further information is available from the staff" *

Information required to be indicated may appear:

1. on a label attached to the food, or
2. on a menu, notice, ticket or label that is readily visible to the customer at the place where the food is chosen.

What are the requirements for food sold from a vending machine?

Food sold from a vending machine should have the name of the food easily visible on the food packaging, or on a notice displayed on the front of the machine.

What is the name of the food?

It must be either:

1. the name required by law (a prescribed name), or
2. a customary name (one which identifies the food in the area it is being sold etc. hotpot), or
3. a name sufficiently precise to inform the purchasers of the true name of the food.

What happens if the food or labels are incorrect - will I commit an offence?

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

* Staff who are involved with customers and the food sold on the premises should be given appropriate trainingas to when foods contain GM particulars (maize +/or Soya or both).

Contact Information
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