Labelling of Food
Food labelling is used to inform consumers of the properties of pre-packaged food. The most important rule of labelling is that the consumer should not be misled. This section covers some of the main areas of food labelling requrements.
What must appear on the label?
Must the information on the label be in English?
Is there anything else that should go on the label?
Are you making a nutrition or health claim?
Does your product contain allergenic ingredients?
Labelling of gluten-free foods
New Food Information Regulation 1169/2011/EU replaces the current labelling rules and will apply from 13th December 2014, with some exceptions. Food business operators should make themselves aware of the changes that will come about as a result of this new legislation. Read more on the new Food Information Legislation
What must appear on the label?
Under General labelling legislation the following must appear on the label:
- name under which the product is sold *
- list of ingredients
- quantity of certain ingredients
- net quantity *
- date of minimum durability *
- any special storage instructions or conditions of use
- name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager, or of a seller within the European Union
- place of origin of the foodstuff if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree
- instructions for use where necessary
- beverages with more than 1.2% alcohol by volume must declare their actual alcoholic strength *
* These details must appear in the same field of vision
Download our labelling leaflet ( 9 other languages available) or read our report 'Labelling of Food in Ireland 2007'
Must the information on the label be in English?
The general labelling requirements in Ireland are that foods must be labelled in English or in Irish and English. The foods may also be labelled in other languages but only in addition to English (or English and Irish).
Is there anything else that should go on the label?
For some foods there are other details which may have to appear on the label. Choose from the list below for legislation concerning your product.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list. If your product does not fall into one of the categories above there may still be additional labelling requirements. Consult our legislation section for more information.
Are you making a nutrition or health claim?
If yes, or you are unsure what this means, read more information.
Does your product contain allergenic ingredients?
Get more information on what an allergen is, and labelling rules that apply.
Labelling of gluten-free foods
Update on the labelling of gluten-free foods
Find full details of all labelling legislation here
See report: Gluten-Free Foods
Last reviewed: 29/11/2012