The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today published a new guidance leaflet for the food industry to provide clarity on the legal requirements for the labelling of food. It will be of particular interest to food manufacturers, importers and wholesalers. The guidance leaflet is available in English, as well as nine other languages including Arabic, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Ukrainian and Urdu, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Irish food industry today.
This is the first time that an FSAI guidance leaflet has been made available in so many different languages. The leaflet is available on the FSAI website or from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Advice Line on 1890 33 66 77. According to Mr Jeffrey Moon, Chief Specialist Environmental Health, FSAI, the aim of food labelling is to provide consumers with key information on the properties, ingredients, nature and characteristics of pre-packaged food to enable them to make informed food purchasing decisions. "Food businesses should provide sufficient information, accurately and clearly, to enable consumers to select products according to their needs; to store and prepare them appropriately and to consume them safely. Labels must be clear, accurate and unambiguous. They must not make misleading or false claims. In addition, food labels in Ireland must be in English. A second language, including Irish, may be used, but English must always be used."
Legally, there are a number of different pieces of information must be included on all labels. The name of the food must be stated in order to inform the purchaser of the true nature of the product. A list of ingredients is compulsory on all products, with ingredients listed in order of weight. The net quantity of the foodstuff must also be included. Date of minimum durability, must be included on the label; a best before date being the date up to which a food product can reasonably be expected to retain its optimum condition. A use by date is required for foods that are highly perishable and after a short period may pose a threat to human health. A label should also outline any special storage conditions so that consumers can maintain the quality of the product and instructions for use.
The following mandatory information must appear on the packaging or label of pre-packaged foodstuffs:
- Name under which the product is sold
- List of ingredients and declaration of allergens
- Quantity of certain ingredients
- Net quantity
- Date of minimum durability
- Any special storage instructions of conditions of use
- Name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager, or of a seller in the European Union
- Place of origin of the foodstuff if its absence might mislead the consumer
- Instructions for use where necessary
Beverages with more than 1.2% alcohol by volume must declare their actual alcoholic strength.
Anyone who has concerns and wishes to report apparently incorrect food labelling are encouraged to contact either the FSAI or the Health Service Executive.
