Food Labelling

The following guidance relates to foodstuffs that are sold pre-packed directly to the consumer and lists the information that must be included on food labels to satisfy the law.

The Acts of Law relating to Food Labelling

The Food Safety Act 1990

The Act makes it an offence to sell or possess for sale food that is:

• Falsely described, advertised or presented
• Not of the nature, substance or quality demanded
• Has been rendered injurious to health
• Unfit or so contaminated that it would be unreasonable to expect it to be eaten

The Food Labelling Regulations 1996 

The Regulations contain detailed provisions on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs. These regulations set out what information must be provided on food labels in order to satisfy the law.

Food Labelling FAQ's

What types of food stuffs need to be labelled?

All pre-packed foodstuffs must be clearly labelled except those which are pre-packed for direct sale (e.g. food sold loose from the delicatessen counter of supermarket).

How should food labels be presented on the packaging?

Labelling particulars must be easy to understand, clearly legible and indelible. Labels must be in a conspicuous place so as to be easily visible to the consumer.

Any pre-packed food or drink sold in this country must be labelled in English. It is illegal to sell food labelled in a foreign language, even if it is an internationally recognised brand and you may be liable to prosecution if your labels are not in English.

What information is required on food labels?

Food labels must include the following information:

• Name of food (this must be a description of the food item)
• List of ingredients (in descending order of weight)
• Appropriate durability indication (must be expressed by 'use by' or 'best before' date)
• Special storage conditions or conditions of use
• Name and address of the manufacturer
• Origin/provenance if failure to give particulars might mislead to a material degree
• Instructions for use if it would be difficult to make appropriate use of the food without instructions
• Weight marking

If a purchaser could be misled into purchasing food that is powdered, or in any other physical condition (e.g. dried, freeze dried, frozen, concentrated, smoked) or subjected to any treatment by the omission of the conditions or treatment, the food label must include or be accompanied by indication of the condition or treatment.

Foods not pre-packed or food pre-packed for direct sale or individually wrapped only need to be marked with the name of the food.

Southwark's Food, Health and Safety Team

The team carries out regular visits, routine sampling of food and investigates food complaints.

If, on any of these visits you are found to be selling or offering for sale any foodstuff that:

• Does not have adequate labels or
• Has passed the "use by" date mark or
• Is of poor or deteriorating quality

you will be liable to prosecution and up to a maximum £20,000 fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years on conviction.

How to contact the Food, Health and Safety Team