Labelling of packaged foods
(for England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
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The Food Labelling Regulations 1996 contain some basic requirements that most food must be labelled with the food name, ingredients list, a percentage quantity indication for certain ingredients (known as QUID - Quantitative Ingredient Declaration), a use by or best before date, storage conditions, name/address of manufacturer, place of origin and instructions for use.
There are other specific additional labelling requirements including those relating to allergenic ingredients, irradiated foods, genetically modified foods, alcoholic drinks and more. There are also guidelines in relation to any labelling claims. In the majority of cases, food must be labelled with a quantity marking in metric units and it may have to be packaged in specific quantities.
