Certain requirements apply to the listing of ingredients on food labelling in United Kingdom. This guide explains how to list ingredient quantities and the regulations for showing food and drink warnings.
Listing of Ingredients on Food Labelling UK
As a rule, a list of ingredients must include all the constituents that make up the food or the drink product.
Even though some exceptions exist, the ingredients list on food labelling must also include any additives and water.
If the food or drink product contains more than one (1) component, you must itemise all the ingredients in order of weight.
Compile the ingredients list according to the amounts used to make the product. Start with the main 'largest' ingredient at the beginning and end it with the smallest (by weight).
Note: You should list the names of the ingredients in the language that is relevant to the country where the food or drink is being sold.
Showing Ingredient Quantities (QUID)
In some cases, you would also need to show the percentage of each ingredient. The rule for giving a quantitative ingredients declaration (QUID) applies most to any that are:
Accentuated or emphasised by labelling, a picture, or a graphic (e.g. a picture of blackberries on the label).
Mentioned as part of the name of the product (e.g. 'cheese' and 'onion' in a cheese and onion pasty).
Normally associated with the name of the food or drink product by the consumer (the 'mutton' ingredient in a Lancashire hotpot).
Note: The Food Standards Agency has further information on how 'QUID' informs a customer to the percentage of particular ingredients contained in a food product.
Food Allergen Labelling Requirements
The information that you must give on allergens in food includes substances produced or derived from allergens. It also applies those used in processing the food.
As a rule, you must use a different font, style, or background colour to highlight allergens on the label. You must also include allergens in the ingredients list.
Food and drink labels must show an appropriate warning if the product that you are producing contains certain types of ingredients. The listed ingredient and the wording you must use is:
Allura red (E129): 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
Aspartame: 'Contains a source of phenylalanine'
Caffeine over 150 mg/l: 'Not suitable for children, pregnant women and persons sensitive to caffeine'
Carmoisine (E122): 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
