Understanding the Regulatory Side of Food Labeling: What You Need to Know for Compliance



In today’s competitive food market, clear and accurate food labeling is not just a legal requirement—it’s an essential part of building trust with your consumers. However, understanding the regulations surrounding food labeling, particularly in the UK, can be complex. Whether you’re a small business, a startup, or an established food producer, ensuring that your labels are compliant with UK food labeling regulations is vital to avoid fines, penalties, or damage to your brand reputation.


In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of food labeling compliance, including the UK food labeling regulations, barcode sizing, minimum text size requirements, and what must be included on every food label.



What Is Food Labeling Compliance?





Food labeling compliance refers to the practice of adhering to legal requirements and regulations regarding the information that must appear on food packaging. These rules are designed to protect consumers, ensuring that they have the necessary information about the food products they purchase, including ingredients, allergens, nutritional content, and more.


For businesses selling food products in the UK market, these regulations are governed by The Food Information Regulations 2014, which align with European Union regulations and include guidelines on font size, barcode positioning, and ingredient transparency.



Key Elements Required on Food Labels in the UK





1. Product Name


The name of the food product should be clearly stated and must be accurate and descriptive. For example, a label on a packet of pasta must specify whether it is “pasta” or “spaghetti,” ensuring there’s no confusion.


2. Ingredients List


The ingredients list must include all ingredients in the product, in descending order by weight. Special attention must be paid to any allergens—such as nuts, gluten, or dairy—by clearly highlighting them in bold or a different color for easy identification.


3. Nutritional Information


The nutritional information should be displayed in a table format, showing the energy content, fat, sugars, protein, and salt per 100g or per portion. This information is critical for consumers who are mindful of their dietary intake.


4. Expiry Date/Use By Date


A clear use by or best before date must be included to inform consumers about the freshness of the product. The use by date is required for highly perishable items, while the best before date is used for products that have a longer shelf life.


5. Barcode and Product Code


A barcode is mandatory for most packaged food products to help with stock control and sales tracking. The barcode must be positioned correctly and meet specific size regulations for ease of scanning.



UK Food Labeling Regulations: Key Points You Need to Know





1. Font Size and Minimum Text Size


For labels to be legible and accessible, there are minimum text size requirements that must be met. According to UK food labeling regulations:

The text should be no smaller than 1.2mm in height for most of the label. For small packages, such as single-serve items, the minimum text height can be 0.9mm.

Bold and clear fonts should be used for key information such as allergens and the product name to ensure that consumers can read important details easily. This is particularly important for older consumers or those with visual impairments, as the goal is to make information accessible to all.


2. Barcode Sizing Regulations


Barcodes are a vital part of retail and logistics processes, but there are strict regulations regarding barcode sizing to ensure that they are scannable at checkout or in inventory systems. In the UK, food packaging must adhere to the following barcode standards:


EAN-13 Barcodes – Standard 13-digit barcodes that must be clearly visible on packaging.

Barcode Size – The minimum size for a barcode should be 28mm x 19mm, though it can be larger depending on packaging.

Barcodes should be printed in black and white for optimal readability.


Proper barcode positioning ensures that your product passes retail scanning processes without issues, especially when being sold through major grocery stores or e-commerce platforms.


3. Allergen Labeling


Since food allergens can pose a serious health risk, it’s crucial that they are clearly marked on the label. In the UK, the 14 major allergens (including milk, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish) must be highlighted in bold within the ingredients list.

Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that products like gluten-free foods or those labeled as vegan have the appropriate certifications clearly visible on the packaging to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.



Why Is Food Labeling Compliance Important?





Food labeling compliance isn’t just about meeting legal obligations—it’s about building trust with your consumers. Clear and accurate labeling ensures that customers can make informed choices, especially if they have dietary restrictions or concerns about the ingredients in your product.


Non-compliance with food labeling regulations can result in fines, product recalls, or damage to your brand’s reputation. This is why it's essential to stay updated on the latest labeling requirements and implement them consistently across your product range.



Ensuring Your Food Labels Are Fully Compliant

With the right approach, food labeling can be both compliant with regulations and a powerful tool for consumer engagement. Whether you're a small food producer, a growing startup, or an established brand, understanding the UK food labeling regulations, barcode sizing, and text size requirements will help ensure that your labels meet industry standards and are clear, accurate, and easy to read.

At Reekaz Labels, we specialize in food label printing that adheres to the latest UK food labeling regulations. Our expert team can help you create compliant labels that enhance your brand and provide consumers with the information they need.

Ready to ensure your food labels are compliant? Contact us today for professional advice and a free consultation.