Alcoholic strength

Allergen/intolerance labelling

Nutrition declaration

Note: Certain foods, listed in Annex V to the Regulation, are exempt from the requirement (see listing of Annex V foods)..

Certain terms used in nutrition labelling have been defined and only substances falling within the definition can be included in calculating nutrition values. These terms include: fat, saturates, trans fat, mono-unsaturates, polyunsaturates, carbohydrate, sugars, polyols, protein, salt and fibre. For these terms see: Nutrition Definitions

The nutrition declaration must include:

• (a) energy value; and
• (b) the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt.

Where appropriate, a statement indicating that the salt content is exclusively due to the presence of naturally occurring sodium may appear in close proximity to the nutrition declaration.

In addition it may include one or more of:

• (a) mono-unsaturates;
• (b) polyunsaturates;
• (c) polyols;
• (d) starch;
• (e) fibre;
• (f) any of the specified vitamins or minerals present in 'significant amounts'

Note that for vitamins and minerals, 'significant amount' is based on their specified nutrient reference values (NRVs) (see Table of vitamins and minerals) as follows:

Note

• Where the labelling of a prepacked food provides the mandatory nutrition declaration, the following information may be repeated in the principal field of vision: (a) the energy value; or (b) the energy value together with the amounts of fat, saturates, sugars, and salt. Note: As an exemption to the per 100 g/ml requirements set out below, in the case of (b), the values given for the nutrients (other than energy) may be given on a per portion and/or per consumption unit basis only and, in this case, the energy shall be given both per 100 g/ml and per portion or per consumption unit.
• Where the labelling beverages containing more than 1.2% by volume of alcohol provides a nutrition declaration, this may be limited only to (a) the energy value.or (b) the energy value together with the amounts of fat, saturates, sugars, and salt. Note: As an exemption to the per 100 g/ml requirements set out below, the values given for the energy and nutrients may be given on a per portion and/or per consumption unit basis only.
• Where the labelling of non-prepacked foods provides a nutrition declaration, it may be limited to: (a) the energy value; or (b) the energy value together with the amounts of fat, saturates, sugars, and salt.

Calculation (Article 31)

In calculating the energy value the following conversion factors shall be used:

• 1 g carbohydrate (excluding polyols) = 17 kJ (4 kcal)
• 1 g polyols = 10 kJ (2.4 kcal)
• 1 g protein = 17 kJ (4kcal)
• 1 g fat = 37 kJ (9 kcal)
• 1 g salatrims = 25 kJ (6 kcal)
• 1 g alcohol (ethanol) = 29 kJ (7 kcal)
• 1 g organic acid = 13 kJ (3 kcal)
• 1 g fibre = 8 kJ (2 kcal)
• 1 g erythritol = 0 kJ (0 kcal)

The energy value and the amounts of nutrients should refer to the food as sold.but, where appropriate, it may relate to the food after preparation, provided that sufficiently detailed preparation instructions are given and the information relates to the food as prepared for consumption.

The declared values shall, according to the individual case, be average values based on:

(a) the manufacturer’s analysis of the food;
(b) a calculation from the known or actual average values of the ingredients used; or
(c) a calculation from generally established and accepted data.

Expression per 100 g/ml / per portion / consumption unit (Articles 32 and 33)

• Energy shall be declared in both kJ and kcal. Other nutrients to be declared in g except for vitamins and minerals the units used in the table of Nutrient Reference Values must be used (mg or mg) (see Table of vitamins and minerals)
• Values are usually to be given per 100 g or per 100 ml but may, in addition, be given on a per portion and/or per consumption unit basis.
• When information is provided for vitamins and minerals, it must also include the % NRV per 100 g or per 100 ml but may, in addition, be given on a per portion and/or per consumption unit basis.
• For energy and other nutrients, information may also be given as a % of the following specified reference intakes per 100 g or 100 ml (or per portion and/or per consumption unit basis) provided that the statement 'Reference intake of an average adult (8 400 kJ/ 2 000 kcal)’ is given:

Presentation (Article 34 and Annex XV)

When provided, the nutrition declaration must be in a clear format and in the order given in the table below. Where space permits, the information must be given in a tabular format with the numbers aligned. Where space does not permit, a linear format may be used. Exemptions are provided for alcoholic drinks and non-prepacked foods (see Regulation).

Guidance

Detailed guidance published by the Department of Health in 2017 is available See:

• Technical guidance on nutrition labelling
• Annex to technical guidance on nutrition labelling (A useful summary chart of the decisions that need to taken in devising nutrition labelling)

Allergen/intolerance labelling