Label Compliance for Selling Sauces, Jams, Marmalades, and Other Similar Products in the UK
When selling sauces, jams, marmalades, and other similar products in the UK, it’s important to ensure that your product labels comply with all relevant regulations. Failure to do so can result in fines, legal action, and damage to your brand reputation. Here are some key considerations for label compliance in the UK:
- Ingredients List: The ingredients list on your label must be accurate and complete. All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. If your product contains any allergens, they must be clearly highlighted in the ingredients list.
- Nutrition Information: If your product makes a claim about its nutritional content, you must provide nutrition information on the label. This information must be presented in a specific format, including the energy value and amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt.
- Name and Address: Your label must include the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or importer of the product. This information must be legible and clearly visible.
- Best Before and Use By Dates: If your product has a shelf life of less than two years, you must include a best before date on the label. If your product has a shelf life of less than three months, you must include a use by date on the label.
- Net Quantity: Your label must include the net quantity of the product in metric units (e.g. grams, milliliters). The quantity must be clearly visible and legible.
- Country of Origin: If your product is not of UK origin, you must include the country of origin on the label.
- Allergen Warnings: If your product contains any of the 14 major allergens (such as peanuts, milk, eggs, or soy), you must include a warning on the label. The warning must be clear and easy to read.
In addition to these requirements, there may be additional regulations that apply depending on the specific product and packaging. It’s important to consult with regulatory authorities and seek expert advice to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.
By ensuring label compliance, you can protect your brand reputation and avoid legal issues. Take the time to carefully review and revise your product labels to ensure that they meet all relevant regulations and requirements in the UK.