Food Information Regulations 2014
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- FSA
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 7 compliance obligations, 9 practical guides
What you must do
7 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Management duties 1
Display the national minced‑meat mark correctly on packaging
If you put the national mark on pre‑packed minced meat, you must use a font that is clearly legible, a colour that is easily visible, and a font size that is at least as big as the size required for the mandatory label information for that type of package. In other words, the mark must be as easy to read as the other required label details on the product.
Other requirements 2
Label pre‑packed foods with ingredients and allergens
Unlimited fineIf you sell food that is pre‑packed for direct sale (e.g. in a shop or to a mass‑caterer on‑site), you must put a full ingredient list and any allergen information directly on the package or on a label attached to it. This must be done for every product you offer for sale to a consumer or mass‑caterer, unless the sale is made by distance communication.
Label prepacked foods with their name
Unlimited fineIf you sell food that is pre‑packed for direct sale to consumers or mass caterers, you must put the food’s name on the pack or on a label attached to it. The name must appear on the packaging before the product is offered for sale, except when you sell the food online or by other distance‑selling methods.
Offences and prohibitions 4
Fail to comply with an improvement notice
Unlimited fineIf a food business receives an improvement notice that tells it to take specific steps to meet food‑information rules and does not carry out those steps (or equivalent steps) within the time set, the business (or the responsible person) commits a criminal offence. On summary conviction the offender can be fined up to the maximum level 5 fine on the standard scale (an unlimited fine). No prison term is prescribed for this offence.
Fail to comply with an improvement notice
Unlimited fineIf a food business receives an improvement notice under the Food Information Regulations and does not take the required actions (or equivalent actions) within the time set, the business commits an offence. On summary conviction you face an unlimited fine.
Fail to comply with specified food information provisions
Unlimited fineIf you do not follow the particular food‑information requirements listed in paragraph 2 (including certain articles of the Food Information Regulations and specific regulations), you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, with the exact penalties set out in the next section of the Regulations.
Fail to comply with specified food information requirements
Unlimited fineIf your food business does not meet the food information rules listed in the Food Information Regulations (such as providing correct allergen information, ingredient lists, nutrition details, etc.), you commit a criminal offence. The offence is triggered by any failure to follow those specific provisions. Conviction can lead to fines and, in more serious cases, imprisonment as set out in the accompanying penalty provisions.
Penalties for non-compliance
8 penalties under this legislation. 8 carry an unlimited fine.
Label pre‑packed foods with ingredients and allergens
Unlimited fine
Label prepacked foods with their name
Unlimited fine
Fail to comply with an improvement notice
Unlimited fine
Fail to comply with an improvement notice
Unlimited fine
Breach food information requirements
Unlimited fine
Fail to comply with specified food information provisions
Unlimited fine
Breach of food information regulation 10
Unlimited fine
Fail to comply with specified food information requirements
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sector-Specific 9
Control food temperatures safely
Keep food at safe temperatures throughout storage, cooking, holding, cooling, and reheating to prevent harmful bacterial growth and …
Selling food online: labelling and safety requirements
Comply with distance selling rules when selling food online, including providing mandatory food information before purchase, allergen labelling …
Food Information Regulations 2014 compliance
Comply with mandatory food labelling and information requirements under UK and assimilated EU law.
Allergen control systems and Natasha's Law
Implement comprehensive allergen management systems and comply with Natasha's Law PPDS labelling requirements.
Food and drink regulations and traceability
Comply with HFSS labelling, traceability requirements, alcohol duty obligations, packaging regulations, waste disposal, and animal by-products rules.
Food Safety for Childcare Providers
Food safety and nutrition requirements for childcare settings, including food business registration, allergen management, HACCP systems, and Ofsted …
Allergen information requirements
Provide clear allergen information for all food you sell.
Food labelling requirements
Label prepacked food correctly with all mandatory information.
Food safety and hygiene requirements
HACCP-based food safety management systems, allergen labelling requirements including Natasha's Law, and food business registration for hospitality operators …
Sections and provisions
19 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 4
- Schedule 2 National mark for derogation relating to minced meat
- s.9 Enforcement a food authority within …
- Foods that are prepacked for direct sale – duty to Foods that are prepacked for direct sale – duty to list ingredients
- Foods that are prepacked for direct sale – general Foods that are prepacked for direct sale – general requirement to name them