When purchasing food products, the consumer has to heavily rely on the food labels so they must be created in line with regulations. To create transparency, which in turn improves consumer safety, there is a range of requirements in place so labels can serve as a trustworthy source of information, containing the following information to help consumers make informed choices:
Ingredient list
Manufacturers are required to disclose a comprehensive list of all the ingredients used to make the product, ordered based on quantities used. This is essential to provide those with dietary requirements, or preferences, with the information they need to choose safe products. From allergies and intolerances to lifestyle choices such as veganism and halal, the packaging of a product is legally required to disclose the contents.
Allergen information
Laws state that manufacturers must highlight the presence of common allergens such as nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and fish on the labeling of a product. Food allergies can have severe consequences so to align with safety regulations, accurate allergen information should be a key consideration for manufacturers. To ensure the messaging is easily noticeable, bold text is often used to minimize risk.
Nutritional information
Nutritional information allows consumers to assess the healthiness of a product and make informed decisions based on these, especially important when managing dietary restrictions or health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. This information will consist of data such as calories, fat, sugar, carbohydrates, protein, and salt, as well as giving a recommended serving size guideline.
Handling information
Every food product should be labeled with key details such as expiration dates, cooking instructions (where necessary), and storage instructions. This information ensures that consumers can safely consume the foods without risk to their health. As well as this, it is also a necessity to include tracking information such as a batch number and manufacturer contact details in case of a product recall or health emergency.
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