Current EU nutrition facts label regulations

Starting December 13th, 2016, EU regulation nº 1169/2011 on the nutritional value of foods is of mandatory compliance. This regulation calls for most pre-packaged foods to redesign their labels if they do not contain certain nutritional facts and energy value. The key nutrients that must be shown are: fats, saturated fatty acids, salt, proteins and sugars. Other non-mandatory facts may also be added, such as starch, certain vitamins and minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids.

In summary, all facts that must be clearly, briefly and comprehensively detailed in the package are: allergens (highlighted in a different colour and font in order to differentiate them from all other components), type of oil contents, the nutritional label (in other words, the % recommended for an adult), its origin, the amount of salt contained (the word “sodium” cannot be used, since it is not entirely clear), the ingredients used during its preparation and the defrosting date, if applicable (to prevent its re-freezing). 

However, some foods are not forced to add this label. Among them we can find water, salt, spice, non-packaged foods, and jams and butters offered in hotels, among others.

With this new regulation, the food industry intends to provide all information that may be useful to consumers, helping them make the right choice when it comes to their food.

If you need further information or want to dispel your doubts on the matter, at Anabiol we put our consultancy and inspection service at your disposal. We will help you comply with the current nutritional fact label laws set forth by the EU.