Food labeling is the process of marking food products with labels or marks that contain important information about the composition, nutritional value, expiry dates, as well as the origin of the product or even how it was produced. The purpose of food labeling is to provide consumers with complete and accurate information about the products they buy, so that they can make informed food choices and reach for products that best suit their needs. The labeling requirement also has an impact on the quality of food products, forcing producers to apply certain production standards.
Product labeling requirement
Product labeling is one of the requirements that manufacturers must meet in order to place food on the market. The food labeling process is regulated by national law and at the same time is subject to international standardization. In the case of the European Union, the document containing the applicable guidelines is the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the European Council No. 1169/2011 of October 25, 2011.
The information that must be included on the labels of food products is:
- Product name;
- Name and address of the manufacturer;
- Product net weight;
- A list of ingredients;
- Minimum Durability Weight;
- The content of nutrients in 100 g of the product;
- Usage;
- The presence of permitted additives or other additives;
- The storage conditions;
- The degree of coverage of the recommended daily requirement for a given ingredient;
- Name of the country of origin for imported products.
Moreover, in the case of alcoholic products with an alcoholic strength above 1.2% vol. alc. (such as vodka, wine, beer, cider or whiskey) it is required to indicate the alcoholic strength by volume on the label. This indication must be in the form of a number preceded by the word "alcohol" or the abbreviation "alk." followed by the symbol "% vol." With regard to the determination of the alcoholic strength, certain positive or negative deviations are allowed.
Why is proper food labeling important and affects product quality?
Food labeling is crucial to protecting consumer health and ensuring fair trade in food products. It is therefore important that food manufacturers comply with labeling regulations and provide accurate and complete information on their products. Manufacturers must be aware that each of their declarations will be verified by the relevant supervisory authorities and must be approved by them.
Proper food labeling can affect the quality of food products in various ways.
First, proper food labeling informs consumers about the ingredients and nutritional value of products, which helps them make informed food choices. When customers have access to complete product information, they can avoid ingredients that can negatively impact their health, while choosing products that are rich in the nutrients they need. And this is especially important for those consumers who want to eat consciously or follow a strictly defined diet.
Second, proper food labeling can help ensure food safety. Information about the expiration date and how to store products can help you avoid consuming food that has expired or has not been properly stored. In addition, allergen information that is mandatory on labels can help people with food allergies or intolerances avoid dangerous situations.
Thirdly, proper food labeling can help ensure the quality of products by communicating their origin and production methods. Consumers may have preferences in how food is produced, and label information can help them choose products that meet their expectations.
Without proper food labelling, ensuring product quality, guaranteeing food safety and helping consumers make informed food choices would be much more difficult.
What are the consequences of falsifying information on food labels?
False food labeling is a violation of food labeling regulations and can have serious legal, financial and reputational consequences for manufacturers.
The legal consequences of false food labeling can be very serious. Many countries regulate food labeling through laws, and violations of these laws can lead to financial penalties and even prosecution of the manufacturer. In addition, dishonest food labeling practices can adversely affect a manufacturer's reputation and affect consumer confidence in its products. This can lead to a decrease in sales and a decrease in company revenue.
Ultimately, false food labeling can have a negative impact on consumer health. Customers rely on label information to make food choices, and misplaced information can lead to situations where customers are unaware of the ingredients or allergens that are in the product, which can lead to unsafe health situations.
That is why it is important for traders and entrepreneurs selling food products to find proven and trusted suppliers. It is recommended to use the services of reputable food wholesalers. In such enterprises, all formal issues, as well as individual stages of the supply chain, are subject to detailed control, and the producers themselves are also subject to careful verification. Every entrepreneur should be aware that by taking care of the quality of the products offered, he also cares about the health of his customers and gains their trust.
Why is it worth using reputable food wholesalers?
Using the services of reputable food wholesalers has many benefits for customers, both for retailers and consumers. Here are some of the most important reasons why it is worth using the services of reputable food wholesalers:
- Quality of products - reputable food wholesalers offer high quality products, which means that their products are fresh, healthy and safe to eat. Wholesalers also use rigorous quality control procedures to ensure that their products meet the highest standards.
- Large selection of products - reputable food wholesalers offer a wide selection of products, including sweets, drinks, alcohols, frozen products, as well as food products of foreign origin. In this way, it is possible to obtain a diverse assortment from one supplier, tailored to the needs and expectations of a retail customer.
- Competitive Prices - Reputable grocery wholesalers offer competitive prices, which means that customers can buy quality products at attractive prices. Many wholesalers also allow you to negotiate product prices in the case of permanent cooperation.
- Flexibility of deliveries - food wholesalers who care about the quality of their services offer flexibility in terms of deliveries, which allows customers to adjust the time and place of deliveries to their needs.
- Product awareness - professional food wholesalers provide their customers with appropriate information about products, which allows them to make an informed choice when completing the offer.