1.The provision of food information shall pursue a high level of protection of consumers’ health and interests by providing a basis for final consumers to make informed choices and to make safe use of food, with particular regard to health, economic, environmental, social and ethical considerations.
2.[F1Type C, D and E regulations must take] into account, where appropriate, the need to protect the legitimate interests of producers and to promote the production of quality products.
3.When [F2type C, D or E regulations establish] new requirements, a transitional period after the entry into force of the new requirements shall be granted, except in duly justified cases. During such transitional period, foods bearing labels not complying with the new requirements may be placed on the market, and stocks of such foods that have been placed on the market before the end of the transitional period may continue to be sold until exhausted.
4.An open and transparent public consultation [F3(so far as not already required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002)] shall be conducted, including with stakeholders, directly or through representative bodies, during the preparation, evaluation and revision of food information law, except where the urgency of the matter does not allow it.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Art. 3(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(3)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F2Words in Art. 3(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(3)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F3Words in Art. 3(4) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)