The Food Labelling Regulations 1996

The Meat Products And Spreadable Fish Products Regulations 1984
Burgers

• What type of food is covered by this fact sheet?
• What meat content are burgers required to contain by law?
• How should the burgers be labelled?
• Where should the details appear?
• How should prepacked burgers be marked?
• What happens if the products or labels are not correct - will I commit an offence?

What type of food is covered by this fact sheet?

All burgers containing meat.

What meat content are burgers required to contain by law?

• Burgers - Minimum Meat Content 80%
• Economy Burgers - Minimum Meat Content 60%
• Hamburgers - Minimum Meat Content 80%

(The meat used for hamburgers must be Pork or Beef or a mixture of both.)

When the name of the burger includes the name of meat eg Beefburgers, Chickenburger, at least 80% of the burger must consist of the named meat (except 60% in the case of Economy burgers).

Also, at least 65% of the required meat content of any burger must be lean meat.

How should the burgers be labelled?

For non-prepacked burgers and burgers prepacked on the premises from where they are sold, they must be labelled as follows:-

1. with the name eg Beefburgers, Economy Burger
2. with a declaration of the Minimum Meat content eg Minimum 80% meat
3. with a declaration of any of the following additives contained in the burger - Antioxidant, Artificial sweetener, Colour, Flavour enhancer, Flavouring, Preservative.
4. burgers prepacked on the premises from where they are sold have to be marked with an appropriate quantity marking.

Where should the details appear?

On a notice or ticket displayed next to food or on a label attached to the food.

How should prepacked burgers be marked?

They must be marked with:-

1. a minimum meat content declaration
2. name of food
3. list of ingredients
4. an indication of minimum durability
5. any special storage condition and condition for use
6. the name and address of packer, manufacturer or seller
7. particulars of place of origin in certain circumstances
8. instructions for use
9. an appropriate quantity marking

Please note that these products require comprehensive labels to ensure compliance with the law. You should therefore consult the Fact Sheet No 1, on the labelling of Prepacked Foods and your local Trading Standards Office BEFORE having any label printed.

What happens if the products 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
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