Legislation

With significant developments afoot in UK and EU food legislation, our legislation services are well placed to help you keep abreast of the latest changes. John Hammond, Head of Information and Legislation Services, explains:

"Many new or proposed pieces of legislation relate to food labelling and related advertising claims. An EU Food Information Regulation, for example, is being discussed in Brussels. Amongst its many important provisions are those relating to minimum print font size and legibility on packages. It is envisaged that agreement on this regulation could be reached in 2011.We are keeping our members up to date with developments through presentations at Panel meetings and via our free e-mail alerting service Food Law Alert.

The requirements of the legislation surrounding nutrition and health claims are also evolving. Certain additional permissible nutrition claims have recently been agreed, for example, whilst thresholds for sodium, saturates and sugars might prohibit most nutrition and all health claims on products in which one or more of these is exceeded.

The European Food Safety Authority is also currently working through a list of 4185 candidates for generally-accepted health claims. When eventually agreed, it is likely that these areas will be the focus of a significant level of enforcement interest, so it is vital that food manufacturers know what is and is not permitted. Our Label Review Service is ideal for this, as we can not only say what is allowed, but also provide background information as to why, and explain what alternatives might be open to the client, both now and in the near future."

As well as EU-driven changes, UK government departments have also been looking at aspects of labelling. The Food Standards Agency has commissioned us to survey 'Country of Origin' labelling and the area devoted to mandatory and nutrition information on small packs, as well as front-of-pack nutrition labelling. Meanwhile the Department of Health has commissioned research on the voluntary labelling of alcoholic drinks. Our involvement in these surveys offers a unique insight as part of our general enquiry service - a fact that is well appreciated by our many clients.

To help companies assess the ramifications of the findings of these surveys and other significant labelling issues, a seminar is being held at Campden BRI on 3 December. Speakers will include representatives from the Food Standards Agency and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Plan), as well as Campden BRI food law specialists.

Contact

John Hammond
+44(0)1386 842138
j.hammond@campden.co.uk