{"id":33159,"date":"2026-09-21T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=33159"},"modified":"2026-09-22T10:02:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T09:02:51","slug":"importance-of-food-labels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/importance-of-food-labels\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Labelling: Why Labels Matter and What\u2019s Required"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Food labelling provides consumers with important information about the food they are buying, including what it contains, how much there is, how it should be stored and when it should be used. Food businesses must make sure their labels provide the legally required information, are accurate and are not misleading. In this article, we\u2019ll look at why food labelling is important, the main food labelling regulations that apply in the UK and the information you may need to include on food labels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shopper<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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 Why is Food Labelling Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food labels are an important part of food safety and consumer protection. They help people make informed choices about the food they buy and eat, while also helping food businesses meet their legal responsibilities. Food labelling is important for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting consumer health and safety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food labels provide information that can help consumers avoid foods that could cause them harm. This is particularly important for people with food allergies or intolerances<\/a>, who need accurate information about ingredients and allergens<\/a>. Labels can also provide important storage, preparation and cooking instructions, all of which help consumers handle food safely and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting informed choices<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumers may use food labels to compare products, check ingredients or choose foods that meet their dietary requirements or preferences. Accurate labelling can help people understand what they are buying, including its ingredients<\/a>, quantity, nutritional content and country of origin where this information is required. Food information such as this must be clear, easy to read and easy to understand. It must also not be misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meeting legal and business requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food businesses have a legal responsibility to provide certain information about their products. The exact requirements depend on factors such as whether food is prepacked, sold loose or prepacked for direct sale<\/a>. Failing to provide the required information, or providing information that is inaccurate or misleading, can result in enforcement action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting traceability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food labelling can support traceability<\/a> by helping businesses identify products and batches as they move through the food supply chain. Traceability records allow food businesses to identify where food has come from and where it has been supplied, which can help with withdrawals and recalls<\/a> if a food safety problem is identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communicating shelf-life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date labels tell consumers how long food can be kept (the shelf life<\/a>) and help businesses manage food safely. A use-by date<\/a> found on a food label is about food safety and is used for foods that may become unsafe to eat after a certain point. Food should not be eaten, sold or donated after its use-by date. A best before date is mainly about quality. Food may still be safe to eat after this date if it has been stored correctly and remains suitable to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Expert<\/div>

Want to Learn More?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>

Our Food Labelling Regulations Course<\/a> has been designed by food industry experts to help food businesses understand how to label their food products legally and correctly. It is suitable for all food businesses who package food for sale directly to the consumer.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Food Labelling Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food labelling in the UK is covered by a range of laws and regulations and the rules vary depending on the type of food and how it is sold. In England, Scotland and Wales, food labelling is mainly covered by retained EU food information law, alongside national regulations. In Northern Ireland, EU food labelling rules continue to apply. Businesses should make sure they understand the specific labelling requirements for the food they supply and how they sell it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natasha’s Law<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Natasha’s Law<\/a> came into force across the UK on 1st October 2021. It introduced specific labelling requirements for food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PPDS food is generally food that is packaged on the same premises where it\u2019s sold and is intended to be sold to consumers in that packaging. This can include products such as sandwiches, salads and baked goods packaged before being selected by the customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PPDS food must be labelled with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n