How is food labelling currently regulated in the EU?
Currently, EU general labelling requirements for all foodstuffs are set out in Directive 2000/13/EC. This Directive sets the compulsory information that has to be included on all labels, such as the name of the product, the list of ingredients, the use-by date and any special conditions of use. In addition to the general legislation, there are certain labelling rules for certain food groups (e.g. meat), and specific measures including labelling provisions for certain foods and substances (e.g. beef, fish, chocolate, dietetic foods, food supplements, fortified foods etc). Nutrition labelling on foods is regulated by Directive 90/496/EEC. At the moment, under EU legislation, nutrition labelling is optional, although it becomes compulsory when a nutrition or health claim is made in the labelling, presentation or advertising of a foodstuff or when vitamins or minerals are voluntarily added to foods. Why is the Commission proposing new legislation on food labelling? Updating the rules to re
