- Criteria for the use of the terms fresh, pure, natural etc in food labelling
Marketing terms are phrases used by business to inform the consumer about the nature of their product. Many of these terms such as 'fresh', 'pure' and 'natural' are not defined in law but when used must not be misleading for consumers. Best Practice Guidance was developed to assist industry with using these terms consistently and to assist enforcement officers to identify misleading labelling.
- Guidance on the use of the terms 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' in food labelling
Guidance has also been developed for the use of the terms 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' to assist consistent use of these terms in the UK. This aims to ensure where these terms are used, they are consistent and in a way consumers understand and do not mislead.
Organic food
If you're a retailer, and you only sell organic products directly to customers in your shop, you can label them as organic as long as 95% of the farm-grown ingredients used are organic.
If you produce or prepare organic food, you must be certified by one of the organic control bodies if you want to sell or label it as organic, visit the GOV.UK website for information about organic control bodies. You can decide which body to register with based on your location and needs.
Once registered you'll have to:
- follow a strict set of guidelines laid down by national and international law
- keep thorough and accurate records of production processes
- allow annual and random inspections.
Visit the European Commission website to view the rules on labelling organic products
Last updated: 26/02/2021 16:35