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Safety

Food Labelling

1. By law, labels provide the facts we need in order to make a choice about the foods we buy. The law also controls what the labels say, in order to protect the consumer from false claims or misleading descriptions.

2. There are several advantages to food labelling:

(a) Value for money – consumers are able to compare pack weights and contents.
(b) A taste we’re looking for – e.g. "dairy" ice-cream.
(c) Freedom to avoid ingredients we don’t want or shouldn’t eat – e.g. for dietary purposes(d) The facts behind claims e.g. "extra fruit" yoghurt.
(e) Help in avoiding food poisoning eg. "Use by" dates and instructions for safe storage.
(f) Help in preparation.
(g) Facts about healthy eating.
(h) Information on where the food comes from.

3. Some aspects of food labelling are controlled by the law:

(i) The name of a product must not be misleading.
(ii) The label must list the ingredients in descending order of weight.
(iii) Most food additives have to be included.
(iv) All wrapped or packaged food must be date marked: "Use-by" marked on perishable foods as a guard against food poisoning. "Best before" an advisory label after which food may not maintain its best quality. "Display until" an instruction for shop staff which may be used in conjunction with a "use-by" date.
(v) Storage and use instructions.
(vi) The pack weight.
(vii) The manufacturers and country of origin.

4. If you have any further queries regarding food labelling, contact the Trading Standards Department at Bedfordshire County Council.

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