Press Release - Questions and Answers on Food LabellingMEMO/08/64
Brussels, 30 January 2008
How is food labelling currently regulated in the EU?
Currently, EU general labelling requirements for all foodstuffs are set out in Directive 2000/13/EC. This Directive sets the compulsory information that has to be included on all labels, such as the name of the product, the list of ingredients, the use-by date and any special conditions of use. In addition to the general legislation, there are certain labelling rules for certain food groups (e.g. meat), and specific measures including labelling provisions for certain foods and substances (e.g. beef, fish, chocolate, dietetic foods, food supplements, fortified foods etc). Nutrition labelling on foods is regulated by Directive 90/496/EEC. At the moment, under EU legislation, nutrition labelling is optional, although it becomes compulsory when a nutrition or health claim is made in the labelling, presentation or advertising of a foodstuff or when vitamins or minerals are voluntarily added to foods.
Why is the Commission proposing new legislation on food labelling?
Updating the rules to reflect the modern market
The current legislation on general food labelling dates back to 1978 and nutrition labelling rules were adopted in 1990. Consumer demands and marketing practices have changed significantly since then. EU labelling legislation needs to be updated to reflect the new ways in which food is packaged and sold. Given the amount of information presented to consumers today and the ever more innovative and complex styles of labels, there is a need for a system that allows consumers easy access to the most important and relevant information on food labels, while still encouraging innovation on the part of industry. EU rules also need to take into account the different purchasing habits of the modern consumer. For example, many consumers now buy their food via the internet. These consumers have the same need for clear, essential information as those who shop in their local supermarket. The aim is to create legislation which is flexible enough to be easily adapted as consumer trends evolve, and wide-reaching in its approach to ensure that there is consistency in the approach to providing information on food.
Simplifying the rules
The proposed labelling Regulation aims to simplify the rules that apply in this field, in line with the Commission's goal of better regulation. It will modernise, simplify and clarify the food labelling rules. The proposal sets out plainly and unequivocally what the requirements are, so that there can be no excuses for non-compliance. The clearer and simpler the rules, the more likely they are to be properly implemented in all Member States.
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Labelling of ingredients of alcoholic beverages
The proposal improves and clarifies the current situation concerning the listing of ingredients of alcoholic beverages in an attempt to conciliate the consumers' needs for information with the specificities in the production of such products. To take into account the consumers' need for information, the proposal provides that ready to drink mixed alcoholic beverages, frequently referred to as alcopops, should include an ingredients list. Given the specificities of wine, spirits and beer, and with a view to ensure a consistent approach and coherence in this sector, it is foreseen that the Commission reports on the state-of-play on the Community rules regarding the ingredients list and nutrition labelling of such products with the possibility of measures to be adopted. .
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