UK food labelling rules: GB address, allergens and what the label must show

What a UK food label must show

UK guidance lists the name of the food, a best before or use-by date where required, any necessary warnings, the net quantity, an ingredients list if there is more than one ingredient, the country or place of origin if required, the lot number or use-by date, any special storage conditions, and instructions for use or cooking if necessary. The label also gives the name and address of the business the food is marketed under or of the business that imported it.

The net quantity is in grams, kilograms, millilitres or litres for packaged food over 5 g or 5 ml, and solid food packed in liquid or an ice glaze shows the drained net weight. The net quantity, the name of the food and any alcoholic strength must be close enough together to be seen at the same time. Drinks with more than 1.2% alcohol show the alcohol content, products with GM ingredients above 0.9% say so, and food packed with a packaging gas carries the words "packaged in a protective atmosphere".

UK food label checklist for exporters

• Name of the food, net quantity and any alcoholic strength seen together
• Ingredients list with the 14 allergens emphasised
• Best before or use-by date, storage conditions and lot number
• UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man address for Great Britain
• NI or EU address for food sold in Northern Ireland
• Nutrition declaration per 100 g or 100 ml, and origin where required

GB and NI addresses, allergens and origin

From 1 January 2024, prepacked food sold in Great Britain must include a UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man address for the food business; if the business is not in GB, the label gives the address of an importer based in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. It must be a physical address where the business can be contacted by mail. In Northern Ireland, EU food law continues to apply, so food sold there needs an NI or EU address, or the address of an importer based in NI or the EU.

Retained Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 lists 14 allergens in Annex II, and they are emphasised in the ingredients list. The nutrition declaration gives energy and the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt per 100 g or 100 ml. Origin is required for beef, veal, lamb, mutton, pork, goat, poultry, fish and shellfish, honey, olive oil, wine, and fruit and vegetables, and wherever customers could be misled; if the primary ingredient comes from another place than the one stated, the label says so, for example "with pork from Denmark".