Food labeling: what must be on the label (and where mistakes happen most)

A food label is not just marketing – part of the information is mandatory, and inspectors pay close attention to it. When something is missing or wrong, you deal with it at the shelf and with the authorities. Here is a practical overview of what must not be missing from the label, and where producers make mistakes most often.

Mandatory information in a nutshell

• Name of the food – clear and not misleading.
• List of ingredients – in descending order by quantity.
• Allergens – highlighted in the ingredients.
• Net quantity – weight or volume.
• Date – best before, or “use by”.
• Food business operator – who is responsible for the food.
• Batch – for traceability.
• Nutrition information – a table of values.
• Storage conditions and instructions for use – if the product requires them.

The three mistakes we see most often

1. Allergens buried in the ingredients. They must be clearly highlighted and match the reality of the product. There is no forgiveness for mistakes here.
2. Illegible label. Even mandatory information must be readable – small print or weak contrast is, in practice, the same problem as missing information.
3. Mismatched batch. An incorrectly assigned batch destroys traceability exactly when you need it most.

Legibility is not cosmetics

Font size, contrast and placement decide whether the information serves its purpose. A label nobody can read is a risk, not a formality.

This overview is for guidance only. Specific obligations differ by product type and keep evolving – always check the current legislation or consult an expert.

How we help

We handle printing and applying labels as well as checking that the information is correct, legible and correctly assigned to the batch. The content and its regulatory compliance are the producer’s responsibility – we make sure it gets onto the packaging correctly and legibly.

Frequently asked questions

Can you also prepare the label design? We will work with your design or help prepare it. The producer, however, is responsible for the content and its compliance with legislation.

Can you handle multiple variants and batches in one order? Yes, we routinely work with several variants and batches at once – with an emphasis on keeping them from getting mixed up.