Packaging and labelling

Consumers have the right to know exactly what food and drink they're buying and eating. Using correct packaging and clear and accurate food labelling is really important

Customer reading packaging in a supermarket

In this section:

Food label regulations

Read more about food labelling regulations and the extra measures that apply in Scotland.

The FIC Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011), explains how food labels and other information should be presented to consumers. Its goal is to help people make informed decisions about what they eat and to use food safely.

The FIC 2014 explain how the rules are enforced in Scotland. They also set out how food information laws are monitored and enforced. A summary guidance of FIC 2014 is available.

Since 1 April 2015, under the Food (Scotland) Act 2015, food businesses must report any breach of food information law to Food Standards Scotland. Failing to do so is an offence, and this duty matches the requirement to report unsafe food.

Since January 2016, food enforcement authorities in Scotland can seize or hold food if they think the food information rules have been broken. This is similar to how unsafe food is handled.

However, if the problem is with the food label or information, a sheriff can decide to have it corrected instead of removing the food.

These measures do not currently apply to the rest of the UK.

Regulation

Learn more about Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 Read a summary of the regulations

Nutrition declarations

Information and guidance on displaying nutrition declarations on packaging.

Nutrition declarations

Nutrition label close-up with a finger pointing at carbohydrate values.

Allergen labelling

Information for food businesses who make or sell food that contains any of the main 14 allergens.

Allergen labelling

A customer reading food packaging in a supermarket

MenuCal

MenuCal is a free and easy to use tool for food businesses to provide information about the calories and allergens in their dishes to help customers to make informed choices.

Find out more about MenuCal