Food
Labelling/LMIV
Food – Labelling – Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
The details that have to appear on food labelling are regulated by law, currently still in the Food Labelling Regulation (LMKV). Quite a bit is going to change from 14 December 2014: the standardised European Directive regarding consumer information about food (EU) 1169/2011, in short LMIV, will then apply.
What is changing? What is staying the same? Which transition periods apply?
We provide you with information and help you to switch to the new labelling.
Here are just some of the important changes:
Nutritional value declaration
One of the most important changes is that it will be mandatory to attach a nutritional value label from 2016. This was largely voluntary up to now. The following new "Big 7" nutrients must be listed in the stated order: calorific value, fats, saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. In addition, other nutrients may be added, such as fibre or unsaturated fatty acids.
Font size
The introduction of a minimum font size of 1.2mm x height for all mandatory details leads to a challenge for packaging design as there is correspondingly less space available for advertising and voluntary information. There are exceptions for smaller packaging, whose largest surface is less than 80cm².
Allergens
Allergens have to be labelled or specified on both the food label and with unpackaged food in future. The directive expressly refers to ingredients intentionally added and not traces of contamination. As part of the risk assessment there must be a warning in the event of a significant risk of cross contamination. Allergen labelling according to LMIV includes the following food: gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soya, milk, nuts like almonds etc. celery, mustard, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupines and molluscs as well as any derived products. There are also important changes for online food retail. In future, all mandatory information, for example a list of ingredients, nutritional value labelling and also preparation and storage information, with the exception of the best before date, must be specified on the website and must be viewed before making a purchase.
Important for food importers: from December 2014 an address in a European Union member state must be specified on the label, a manufacturer's address outside the EU is then no longer adequate.
The countdown has started!
We help you to label your food correctly now. Contact us.
