Revision of EU Legislation on Food Information to Consumers

The European Union has embarked on a comprehensive revision of its rules governing the information that must be provided to consumers about food products. The initiative, formally known as the Revision of the Food Information Regulation (FIR), seeks to modernise existing labelling requirements, improve transparency, and strengthen consumer protection in a market that is increasingly digital and globalised.

Why a Revision Is Needed

Several factors have prompted the European Commission to act:

• Technological change smartphones, QRcodes and digital platforms enable new ways of delivering information.
• Health concerns rising rates of food allergies, intolerances and dietrelated diseases require clearer labelling.
• Environmental awareness consumers demand more data on sustainability, carbon footprints and animal welfare.
• Market dynamics the growth of privatelabel products, crossborder ecommerce and novel foods challenges the existing framework.

Key Objectives of the Revision

The draft regulation aims to achieve four main goals:

1. Better consumer understanding simplify language, introduce uniform symbols and improve the legibility of mandatory information.
2. Enhanced safety tighten rules around allergens, nutrient claims and date marking.
3. Greater sustainability awareness provide optional but standardised environmental and social impact data.
4. Futureproofing ensure the legislation can accommodate emerging technologies and new food categories.

Major Changes Proposed

1. FrontofPack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL)

The revised regulation introduces a mandatory, colourcoded trafficlight system for calories, sugars, saturated fat and salt on the front of most packaged foods. Smallscale producers may use a simplified key nutrients label, but the visual format will be consistent across the EU.

2. Allergen Information

Allergen declaration will become compulsory on the front of the pack for products that contain any of the 14 EUrecognised allergens, regardless of the amount present. In addition, an electronic allergeninformation sheet accessed via QRcode must be made available for products with complex ingredient lists.

3. Date Marking

Two distinct date labels will be introduced:

• Useby date for highly perishable foods where safety is at stake.
• Bestbefore date for foods where quality, rather than safety, declines over time.

Both labels will be displayed in a standardised font size and location to reduce consumer confusion.

4. Nutrition and Health Claims

All health claims must now be preauthorised at EU level and linked to a unique identifier displayed on the label. Claims based on traditional use will be subject to a new evidenceassessment procedure to curb misleading statements.

5. Sustainability Information (Optional)

While not mandatory, the regulation encourages the use of a voluntary sustainability logo that can convey data such as:

• Carbon footprint per kilogram of product
• Water usage
• Percentage of recycled packaging
• Animal welfare score (where applicable)

Participating companies must adhere to a EUvalidated methodology, and the logo will be audited annually.

6. Digital Labelling

The revised FIR recognises the growing role of digital platforms. Packaged foods will be required to display a scannable QRcode that links to a product information page containing:

• Full ingredient list with percentages
• Allergen breakdown
• Supplychain origin
• Detailed nutritional breakdown
• Any optional sustainability data

This approach balances the need for concise physical labels with the wealth of data consumers can access online.

Impact on Stakeholders

Businesses

Manufacturers will need to redesign packaging, possibly invest in new printing technologies, and set up digital content management systems. Small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) may benefit from a transitional period of up to three years and from EUfunded support schemes aimed at modernising label production.

Retailers

Retail chains will have to ensure that all products on their shelves comply with the new frontofpack formats. They will also play a role in educating shoppers about the meaning of the trafficlight system and the sustainability logo.

Consumers

Consumers stand to gain clearer, more comparable information at the point of purchase. The dual datemarking system should reduce food waste by helping shoppers distinguish between safetycritical and qualityrelated dates.

Public Health Authorities

Standardised nutrient and allergen data will feed into EUwide monitoring tools, enabling quicker responses to emerging health threats and more accurate dietary surveys.

Implementation Timeline

How to Stay Informed

Stakeholders can follow the revision process through the European Commissions Food Safety portal and the EURLEX database. Regular webinars, guidance documents and nationallevel workshops are planned throughout the transitional phase.

Conclusion

The revision of the EU Food Information Regulation represents a significant step toward a more transparent, healthfocused and environmentally conscious food market. By harmonising labelling practices, embracing digital tools and introducing optional sustainability metrics, the EU aims to empower consumers, reduce unnecessary waste and support businesses in delivering clearer, trustworthy information. The success of the reform will hinge on coordinated effort among lawmakers, industry, and civil society, but the potential benefits for public health and consumer confidence are substantial.