What are the 5 requirements of a food label?

Food labels are an important basis for consumers to understand food information and make purchasing decisions. A qualified and complete food label usually needs to meet the following five requirements:

1. Accurate basic information

Food labels must accurately mark basic information such as the name of the food, production date, shelf life or storage period. This information helps consumers judge the freshness, storage conditions and shelf life of the food, so as to avoid buying expired or about to expire food.

2. Clear ingredients

The ingredient list is an important part of the food label. It lists in detail all the raw materials and their proportions contained in the food. Consumers can understand the main ingredients of the food through the ingredient list, and whether it contains ingredients that they are allergic to or need to avoid. At the same time, the clarity of the ingredient list also reflects the transparency and integrity of the food manufacturer.

3. Comprehensive nutritional ingredients

The food label should also mark the nutritional ingredients of the food, including key nutrients such as energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sodium, etc. This information helps consumers choose the right food for themselves according to their nutritional needs and health conditions.

4. Warning instructions are in place

For some special foods, such as those containing allergens, additives, preservatives or genetically modified ingredients, warning instructions must be clearly marked on the food label. These instructions can remind consumers to pay attention to potential health risks and avoid adverse reactions caused by accidental ingestion.

5. Comply with regulatory requirements

The design and content of food labels must strictly comply with the provisions of relevant national laws and regulations. This includes using standardized fonts, font sizes and colors, and ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of information. Only food labels that meet regulatory requirements can protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers and maintain market order.