Nutrition labelling and the FIC

One of the most significant changes to be found in the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FIC) is that declaring nutrition becomes mandatory. Previously it was only needed if a claim was being made. It is not, however, quite that simple, as a distinction needs to be made between what are commonly known as 'front of pack' and 'back of pack' nutrition declarations, and there is quite a large number of exceptions to the general rule to be taken into account!

Our Food Law Advisors are on hand to answer any labelling queries you might have, but some simple tips might point you in the right direction:

• Front of pack nutrition labelling is voluntary, you do not have to do it but if you choose to (and many would see it as good practice and useful to consumers) there are some rules now on how you may go about it;
• Back of pack nutrition labelling will become mandatory, but there is a long list of exemptions to mandatory nutrition labelling, which mean that it is not an absolute requirement on everything!
• These exemptions do not relate just to products; they also state a largest surface area threshold for any food stuff of 25cm², beneath which nutrition labelling is not required. Nor is declaring nutrition a mandatory requirement if you are a manufacturer and supply "small quantities" of products directly to local retail establishments.
• Finally, there is an extended transition period for mandatory nutrition labelling to be aware of. If you are not labelling already, you have until December 2016 to make this particular change.

And when you know what you need to declare, make sure you come to us for the analysis.

Contact: Steve Spice
+44(0)1737 824265
steve.spice@campdenbri.co.uk