Nutrition declaration

Under EU law, prepacked food that is sold in the EU must bear a label informing consumers about its energy and nutrient content. This is called ‘nutrition declaration' and must appear directly on the package or on a label attached to it. The nutrition declaration must include the following information:

• energy value
• amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt

The following nutrients can be indicated voluntarily in the nutrition declaration:

• mono-unsaturates
• polyunsaturates
• polyols
• starch
• fibre
• any of the vitamins or minerals permitted by law

Foods that do NOT require a nutrition declaration are listed in annex 5 of the regulation.

How to calculate energy values and nutrient amounts

The values in the nutrition declaration are averages, based on either the manufacturer's analysis of the food or a calculation using 1 of the following:

• the known or actual average values of the ingredients used
• generally established and accepted data

The energy value and nutrient amounts on the package must reflect the value and amounts of the food as it is sold. If the product requires preparation before it is consumed, you can provide the information that reflects the nutrition values of the food as ready to be eaten.

The energy value must be:

• calculated using the conversion factors provided in annex 14 of the regulation
• indicated in kilo joules (kJ) and kilo calories (kcal) per 100 g or per 100 ml

Nutrient amounts must be indicated per 100 g or per 100 ml.

In some cases, energy values and nutrient amounts may also be expressed per portion and/or per consumption unit. See article 33 of the regulation.

Authorised vitamins and minerals

Their amounts must be expressed:

• per 100 g or per 100 ml
• as a percentage of reference intakes

Vitamins and minerals authorised in the nutrition declaration are listed in annex 13, part A.1 of the EU regulation.

How to display the nutrition declaration

Space permitting, you should display the nutrition declaration in table form. If the package is too small, display the declaration in linear format. All information must be easily visible, clearly legible and written in letters at least 1.2 mm tall.