Other Labelling
Special Claims
Labels such as "Low Calorie", "Diet", "High in Polyunsaturates", "Rich in Vitamins", must be clearly justified on the nutrition information. There are also specific regulations on claims, which must be adhered to.
When the item is sold to the ultimate consumer, the packaging must be completely sealed.
Labelling of Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks, which contain more that 1.2% alcohol must be labelled as such. In fact, the specific alcohol content must be stated on the packaging in the form of "Alcohol X%" or "Alc X%". This must also be given to drinks sold in pubs and restaurants.
Labelling of Genetically Modified Foods
Genetic modification is where genes in an organism are allowed to carry information and instructions for a particular feature using biotechnology.
This technology has been used in a number of different ways to aid food manufactures and suppliers. Some of these features include an extended storage life or nutritional value of food.
The Food Standards Agency recognises that not everyone will want to buy GM foods, however carefully they have been assessed for safety. All foods that contain GM food must be labelled accordingly.
For more information on the sales, testing and safety of GM foods, visit the Food Standards Agency.
Labelling of Organic Foods
All organic produce must only contain food which has been farmed organically. This means not using fertilisers or pesticides, which have not been approved to be organic. It also means that the land on which the food has been grown has been farmed organically during the conversion period (normally two years). Only then can a product be sold as organic.
Manufacturers of organic food are permitted to use some approved non-organic products, so long as 95% of the ingredients are, in fact organic.
If the organic ingredients make up only 70-95% of a particular product, it may NOT be labelled an organic product. However, the organic ingredients may be specified on the packaging.
Labels on food sold, as 'organic' must indicate the organic certification body that the processor or packer is registered with. The labels must include a code number, and the name or trademark of the certification body may also be shown.
It is not always possible to make products entirely from organic ingredients, since not all ingredients are available in organic form.
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