The Food Labelling Regulations 1996

The Meat Products And Spreadable Fish Products Regulations 1984
Sausages

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

What types of products are covered by this fact sheet?

All sausages including link chipolata or sausage meat.

What meat content are sausages required to contain by law?

Pork Sausage

At least 65% meat of which a minimum of 80% of the meat must be pork.

Beef Sausage

At least 50% meat of which a minimum of 50% of the meat used must be beef.

Liver or Tongue Sausage

At least 50% meat of which a minimum of 30% of the meat must be of the type named.

Cured Meat Sausage

At least 50% meat of which a minimum of 80% of the meat used must be of the type from which the named type of cured meat is prepared.

Other Named Meat Sausage

At least 50% meat of which a minimum of 80% of the meat must be of the named type.

In all other cases a sausage must have meat content of at least 50%.

In All Cases At Least 50% Of The Required Meat Content Must Be Lean Meat.

How should the product be labelled?

Non-prepacked sausages and sausages prepacked by the retailer on the premises from where they are sold must be labelled with:-

1. The name (eg Pork Sausage etc)
2. The meat content of the product in the form ';Minimum X% meat';.
3. A list of the types of additives used in the product if they are antioxidants, artificial sweeteners, colours, flavour enhancers, flavourings or preservatives.
4. Sausages 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 the food or on a label attached to the food.

How should prepacked sausage be marked?

With the following information:-

1. A minimum meat content declaration
2. Name of the food
3. List of ingredients
4. An indication of minimum durability
5. Any special storage condition and conditions 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 labels 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
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2288