HOW TO READ THE LABEL OF A FOOD PRODUCT
Food product labels represent an instrument for consumer protection. In this section we look at the main compulsory elements included on the labels of foods pre-packed for consumers:
- Sales description.
- Ingredient list (in order from the largest ingredient to the smallest).
- Net weight.
- Expiry date or DMD (date of minimum durability) for long life products (Best Before…).
- Production or packing plant.
- Production batch.
- Storage instructions.
- Cooking or preparation instructions.
- Country of origin.
- Declaration of the presence of any allergens.
For frozen foods there are additional labelling rules, which increase consumer protection:
- Sales description, with the addition of the term “frozen”.
- After purchase storage instructions for the consumer, including the storage temperature or the device required for storing the product.
- A warning to inform the consumer that once the product has been defrosted it must not be refrozen and any preparation or cooking instructions.