CHAPTER IV

MANDATORY FOOD INFORMATION
SECTION 2

Detailed provisions on mandatory particulars

Name of the food
Article 17
1
The name of the food shall be its legal name. In the absence of such a name, the name of the food shall be its customary name, or, if there is no customary name or the customary name is not used, a descriptive name of the food shall be provided.
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4
The name of the food shall not be replaced with a name protected as intellectual property, brand name or fancy name.
5
Specific provisions on the name of the food and particulars that shall accompany it are laid down in Annex VI.

List of ingredients
Article 18
1
The list of ingredients shall be headed or preceded by a suitable heading which consists of or includes the word ‘ingredients’. It shall include all the ingredients of the food, in descending order of weight, as recorded at the time of their use in the manufacture of the food.
2
Ingredients shall be designated by their specific name, where applicable, in accordance with the rules laid down in Article 17 and in Annex VI.
3
All ingredients present in the form of engineered nanomaterials shall be clearly indicated in the list of ingredients. The names of such ingredients shall be followed by the word ‘nano’ in brackets.
4
Technical rules for applying paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article are laid down in Annex VII.
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Omission of the list of ingredients
Article 19
1
The following foods shall not be required to bear a list of ingredients:
a
fresh fruit and vegetables, including potatoes, which have not been peeled, cut or similarly treated;
b
carbonated water, the description of which indicates that it has been carbonated;
c
fermentation vinegars derived exclusively from a single basic product, provided that no other ingredient has been added;
d
cheese, butter, fermented milk and cream, to which no ingredient has been added other than lactic products, food enzymes and micro-organism cultures essential to manufacture, or in the case of cheese other than fresh cheese and processed cheese the salt needed for its manufacture;
e
foods consisting of a single ingredient, where:
1. the name of the food is identical to the ingredient name; or
2. the name of the food enables the nature of the ingredient to be clearly identified.
2
In order to take into account the relevance for the consumer of a list of ingredients for specific types or categories of foods, regulations may be made, in exceptional cases, to supplement paragraph 1 of this Article, provided that omissions do not result in the final consumer or mass caterers being inadequately informed.

Omission of constituents of food from the list of ingredients
Article 20
Without prejudice to Article 21, the following constituents of a food shall not be required to be included in the list of ingredients:
1. the constituents of an ingredient which have been temporarily separated during the manufacturing process and later reintroduced but not in excess of their original proportions;
2. food additives and food enzymes:
  1. whose presence in a given food is solely due to the fact that they were contained in one or more ingredients of that food, in accordance with the carry-over principle referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 18(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, provided that they serve no technological function in the finished product; or
  2. which are used as processing aids;
3. carriers and substances which are not food additives but are used in the same way and with the same purpose as carriers, and which are used in the quantities strictly necessary;
4. substances which are not food additives but are used in the same way and with the same purpose as processing aids and are still present in the finished product, even if in an altered form;
5. water:
  1. where the water is used during the manufacturing process solely for the reconstitution of an ingredient used in concentrated or dehydrated form; or
  2. in the case of a liquid medium which is not normally consumed.

Labelling of certain substances or products causing allergies or intolerances
Article 21
1
Without prejudice to enactments referred to in Article 44(2) relating to the presentation of mandatory particulars for food to which Article 44 applies, the particulars referred to in point (c) of Article 9(1) shall meet the following requirements:
a
they shall be indicated in the list of ingredients in accordance with the rules laid down in Article 18(1), with a clear reference to the name of the substance or product as listed in Annex II; and
b
the name of the substance or product as listed in Annex II shall be emphasised through a typeset that clearly distinguishes it from the rest of the list of ingredients, for example by means of the font, style or background colour.
In the absence of a list of ingredients, the indication of the particulars referred to in point (c) of Article 9(1) shall comprise the word ‘contains’ followed by the name of the substance or product as listed in Annex II.
Where several ingredients or processing aids of a food originate from a single substance or product listed in Annex II, the labelling shall make it clear for each ingredient or processing aid concerned.
The indication of the particulars referred to in point (c) of Article 9(1) shall not be required in cases where the name of the food clearly refers to the substance or product concerned.
2
In order to ensure better information for consumers and to take account of the most recent scientific progress and technical knowledge, the appropriate authority must systematically re-examine the list in Annex 2. Where considered necessary by the appropriate authority, that list must be updated by regulations.
...

Quantitative indication of ingredients
Article 22
1
The indication of the quantity of an ingredient or category of ingredients used in the manufacture or preparation of a food shall be required where the ingredient or category of ingredients concerned:
a
appears in the name of the food or is usually associated with that name by the consumer;
b
is emphasised on the labelling in words, pictures or graphics; or
c
is essential to characterise a food and to distinguish it from products with which it might be confused because of its name or appearance.
2
Technical rules for applying paragraph 1, including specific cases where the quantitative indication shall not be required in respect of certain ingredients, are laid down in Annex VIII.

Net quantity
Article 23
1
The net quantity of a food shall be expressed using litres, centilitres, millilitres, kilograms or grams, as appropriate:
a
in units of volume in the case of liquid products;
b
in units of mass in the case of other products.
2
In order to ensure a better understanding by the consumer of the food information on the labelling, regulations may be made to establish for certain specified foods ... a manner for the expression of the net quantity other than the one laid down in paragraph 1 of this Article.
3
Technical rules for applying paragraph 1, including specific cases where the indication of the net quantity shall not be required, are laid down in Annex IX.

Minimum durability date, ‘use by’ date and date of freezing
Article 24
1
In the case of foods which, from a microbiological point of view, are highly perishable and are therefore likely after a short period to constitute an immediate danger to human health, the date of minimum durability shall be replaced by the ‘use by’ date. After the ‘use by’ date a food shall be deemed to be unsafe in accordance with Article 14(2) to (5) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.
2
The appropriate date shall be expressed in accordance with Annex X.
3
In order to ensure a uniform application of the manner of indicating the date of minimum durability referred to in point 1(c) of Annex X, regulations may be made setting out rules in this regard. ...

Storage conditions or conditions of use
Article 25
1
In cases where foods require special storage conditions and/or conditions of use, those conditions shall be indicated.
2
To enable appropriate storage or use of the food after opening the package, the storage conditions and/or time limit for consumption shall be indicated, where appropriate.

Country of origin or place of provenance
Article 26
1
This Article shall apply without prejudice to labelling requirements provided for in specific provisions in EU-derived domestic legislation or assimilated direct legislation, in particular Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs.
2
Indication of the country of origin or place of provenance shall be mandatory:
a
where failure to indicate this might mislead the consumer as to the true country of origin or place of provenance of the food, in particular if the information accompanying the food or the label as a whole would otherwise imply that the food has a different country of origin or place of provenance;
b
for meat falling within the Combined Nomenclature (‘CN’) codes listed in Annex XI. The application of this point is subject to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1337/2013 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for fresh, chilled and frozen meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry and any regulations made under paragraph 8.
3
Where the country of origin or the place of provenance of a food is given and where it is not the same as that of its primary ingredient:
a
the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient in question shall also be given; or
b
the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient shall be indicated as being different to that of the food.
The application of the first subparagraph is subject to
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/775
laying down rules for the application of Article 26(3) of
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers, as regards the rules for indicating the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient of a food and any regulations made under paragraph 8 concerning the application of that subparagraph.
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8
Regulations may be made:
a
concerning the application of paragraphs 2(b) and 3;
b
to revoke Regulation (EU) No 1337/2013 or
Regulation (EU) No 2018/775
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Instructions for use
Article 27
1
The instructions for use of a food shall be indicated in such a way as to enable appropriate use to be made of the food.
2
Regulations may be made setting out detailed rules concerning the implementation of paragraph 1 for certain foods. ...

Alcoholic strength
Article 28
1
The rules concerning indication of the alcoholic strength by volume shall, in the case of products classified in CN code 2204, be those laid down in the specific provisions in EU-derived domestic legislation or assimilated direct legislation applicable to such products.
2
The actual alcoholic strength by volume of beverages containing more than 1,2 % by volume of alcohol other than those referred to in paragraph 1 shall be indicated in accordance with Annex XII.
Deleted by Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on novel foods, amending Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1852/2001 (Text with EEA relevance).
Words in Art. 19(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(8); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 27(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(13)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Art. 26(9) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(14)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 21(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(9)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 26(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(14)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 23(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(10)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 21(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(9)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Art. 17(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(12); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 21(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(13); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 28(1) substituted (27.2.2025) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/82), reg. 1(2), Sch. 15 para. 96(2)(h)
Words in Art. 28(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(15); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 26(1) substituted (27.2.2025) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/82), reg. 1(2), Sch. 15 para. 96(2)(g)
Art. 17(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(12); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 27(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(13)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Art. 26(4)-(7) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/529), regs. 1, 5(14)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 24(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(11)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 26(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(12)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 26(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(12)(b) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1501, regs. 1(a), 5(3)(c)(i)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 23(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(10)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in Art. 24(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(11)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Art. 26(8) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/778), regs. 1, 4(12)(c) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1501, regs. 1(a), 5(3)(c)(ii)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1))