As of December 13, a new food labeling regulations approved in 2011, which has given manufacturers time to adapt to new requirements. Even so, foods that do not currently comply with the new labeling may remain on sale until their expiration date.
Thanks to the new regulations, consumers will have more organized and detailed information about the food we buy, so let's see what changes the new labeling brings us.
Clearer labels: the labeling must be clear and legible, therefore a mandatory typography size is established according to the package size. It must have at least 1.2 mm in containers of more than 80cm square and 0.9mm for smaller containers.
Origin: The country of origin must be indicated. Until now, it was only mandatory for fresh beef, fruits and vegetables, honey, olive oil. From now on, it will also be for fresh pork, sheep, goat and poultry meat.
Allergens: the label must inform if the food contains any of the 14 most common allergens such as soy, nuts, gluten and lactose. It should be highlighted in a different typeface from the rest, for example in bold. Also restaurants and places where unlabeled food is sold must offer this information, although it can be done verbally.
Vegetable oils or fats: Until now it was enough to indicate if the fat was of animal or vegetable origin. Now you must specify the type of oil used in the production of the product (olive, coconut, palm oil, etc.)
Freezing date: Foods such as meat and fish should specify whether they have been frozen and when, in which case they should not be thawed and frozen again. You should also say if water or protein has been added during the process.
Nutritional information: You must declare the following elements in a mandatory manner and present in the same visual field: the energy value, fats, saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salt. This information will always be for every 100g or 100ml.
Without a doubt, very interesting details that the new food labeling regulations. Now consumers can choose in an informed way and make more responsible decisions about our purchases and our food.
