New EU labelling rules

30 November 2011

Food manufacturers need to start preparing to change their packaging after MEPs voted in favour of new labelling rules in European Parliment on 6 July 2011.

Back of back of pack information will now be required to include:

Energy content and amounts of fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt. It must all be stated in a legible tabular form - together and in the same field of vision – and expressed per 100g or per 100ml, but can additionally be expressed per portion.

The EU salt trade body EUSalt has spoken out opposing the fact that salt must be declared because of apparent salt /sodium confusion. They claim that products with natural sodium (eg, fruit and veg, yoghurt) will now have to declare salt even though it doesn't contain sodium chloride which they believe will lead consumers to believe that salt has been added.

Links:

Full article in the Food Navigator

Full article on EU salt trade body opposition to new legislation