Trading Standards Fact Sheet 12
The Food Labelling Regulations 1996
Miscellaneous Meat Products
- What types of food are covered by this fact sheet?
- How should these products be labelled?
- Where should the details appear?
- Do products prepacked for sale elsewhere have additional requirements?
- What happens if the product or labels are not correct - will I commit an offence?
What types of food are covered by this fact sheet?
Products containing meat such as cottage pies, scotch eggs, faggots, canned meats in gravy, canned or frozen ready meals, flans, stuffed meats, pizzas containing meat etc.
How should these products be labelled?
For non-prepacked products and products prepacked on the premises from where they are sold, they should be labelled as follows:-
- With the name
- With a declaration of the minimum meat content in the form 'minimum X% meat'. If the product contains less than 10% meat the declaration may be expressed as 'less than 10% meat'.
- With a declaration of any of the following additives contained in the product - antioxidant, sweetener, colour, flavour enhancer, flavourings, preservative.
- An appropriate metric quantity marking on the pack (when prepacked).
Important:
It is up to you how much meat you put into those products - there are no legal requirements as there are for burgers, sausages etc, but you must accurately declare the percentage of meat contained in the product and at least 65% of this meat content must be lean meat, except frankfurters, salami and similar products which must have at least 50% lean meat.
Where should the details appear?
On a notice or ticket displayed next to the product or on a label attached to the product.
Do products prepacked for sale elsewhere have additional requirements?
Yes, the general labelling requirements apply. See Food Fact Sheet No 1.
Note:
In addition there must be a minimum meat content declaration and an appropriate quantity marking.
Please note that these products require comprehensive labels to ensure compliance with the law. You should, therefore, consult 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 product 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.
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This fact sheet is not comprehensive and may be subject to amendment from time to time. For more detailed information and guidance, please contact your local Trading Standards Office. We are here to help you. |
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