Guide

Food labelling requirements

Label prepacked food correctly with all mandatory information.

Retail & Consumer GoodsFood, Drink & Hospitality UK-wide

Prepacked food must display specific information on the label, including the name of the food, ingredients list, allergen information, net quantity, date marking, storage conditions, name and address of the food business operator, country of origin (for certain foods), and nutritional information.

Applies to
All prepacked food
Legal basis
Food Information Regulations 2014
Enforcement
Trading Standards / Local Authority
Penalties
Unlimited fine and/or imprisonment

  1. Include mandatory information

    Name, ingredients, allergens, quantity, date, business details.

  2. Use correct date marking

    'Use by' for high-risk foods, 'best before' for others.

  3. Provide nutritional information

    Energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, salt per 100g/ml.

  4. Highlight allergens

    Emphasise allergens in the ingredients list (bold, capitals, or different colour).

Mandatory label information:

  • Name of the food
  • List of ingredients (in descending order by weight)
  • Allergen information (emphasized)
  • Net quantity (weight or volume)
  • Date of minimum durability ('use by' or 'best before')
  • Storage conditions and/or conditions of use
  • Name and address of food business operator
  • Country of origin (for specific foods)
  • Instructions for use (if necessary)
  • Nutrition declaration (energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, salt)
  • Alcohol by volume (for drinks >1.2% ABV)