Food Information Regulation
The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This means that the transition process has begun to replace the current food labelling regulations.
The transitional arrangements mean that most of the requirements do not apply until 2014, with nutrition labelling becoming mandatory in 2016. Therefore, food businesses have time to get used to the arrangements and make sure they comply with new labelling requirements as they come in. Further information on the new regulation and the FSA role in bringing in the new requirements can be found by going to the Providing food information for consumers link at the bottom of this page.
Please be aware the responsibility for the Food Information for Consumers Regulations (FIR) varies across the UK. Following the Machinery of Government changes carried out in 2010, general food labelling policy responsibilities (where this is not related to food safety) in England have been transferred from FSA to Defra. Responsibility for nutrition labelling policy has been transferred to the Department of Health.
In England, the FSA leads on food safety aspects of food labelling and continues its liaison with food authorities in relation to food labelling law enforcement.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the FSA has retained responsibility for all aspects of general food labelling and nutrition labelling policy, including liaison with food authorities.
In Wales, the FSA continues to lead on general food labelling policy and food labelling law enforcement, although responsibility for nutrition labelling policy is now with the Welsh Government.
Specific FSA contacts for FIR are as follows:
England: Food Standards enforcement
tel: 0207 276 8016 email: standards.support@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Scotland: Food Labelling and Standards Team
tel: 01224 285155 email: scotland@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Northern Ireland
tel: 02890 417742 email: mervyn.briggs@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Wales
tel: 02920 678912 email: kerys.james-palmer@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk