Food labelling

Labels with information about the ingredients and properties of a foodstuff serve to protect consumers and assist them in making better-informed choices. People want clarity on certain issues. Does the product contain any additives, allergens or genetically modified organisms? How much energy, sugar, fat and salt does the foodstuff provide?

Manufacturers are therefore obliged to disclose a range of clearly legible information on the label – including details about the ingredients and the best-before date.

Food labelling requirements are laid down in EU legislation. This means that uniform standards apply throughout all the Member States of the European Union. EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 will apply from 13 December 2014. It updates the labelling legislation and brings together in one place the previously relevant legal areas. In addition, it improves the legibility of information on packaging by stipulating a minimum font size.

Overview of topics

Extended nutritional labelling system Consumers want Nutri-Score

Nutri-Score, BLL model, Keyhole® or MRI model? A simplified and extended nutritional labelling system on the front of the food packaging is a key element in a holistic policy for promoting healthy eating and also a mandate from the coalition agreement.

More

Nutri-Score

EU-wide uniform food labelling

How food must be labelled in general and what minimum information must be indicated on the packaging is uniformly regulated in the EU. This is based on the Food Information Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (FIC), most of which entered into force on 13 December 2014, with the nutrition labelling section following on 13 December 2016. This EU regulation is directly applicable in all member states. It can be fleshed out and specified in certain points by the member states.

More

Einkaufswagen und Blick in einen Supermarktgang

Regional foods – a wise choice thanks to transparent labelling

There is a growing consumer demand for regional products; the “Regionalfenster” regional label, a blue-and-white window, as well as the German federal states’ quality labels provide reliable orientation with regard to the regional provenance of foods.

More

In a store, a customer and a saleswoman stand in front of a shelf with the inscription "Aus der Region" ("From the region")

To the topic