Mandatory Nutritional Information for Prepacked Produce
In the UK, the core principle is that prepacked food must display a mandatory nutrition declaration. This includes energy value (in kJ and kcal), plus the amount (in grams) of fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt. This rule, stemming from Retained Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, applies to any food that is put into packaging before being offered for sale. For produce, this applies when the product is sold in a sealed bag, tray, or punnet, and cannot be altered without breaking the packaging.
What is Included in the Declaration?
The nutrition label, often found on the back of the package, must present the information clearly, usually in a table. The figures must be expressed per 100g or 100ml of the food. For produce, this means you'll see a standardised format on items like pre-bagged spinach, mixed salad leaves, or fruit salad pots. On a voluntary basis, producers can also add information on vitamins, minerals, fibre, or front-of-pack 'traffic light' labelling, which many major supermarkets do.
Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS) Rules
Following 'Natasha's Law' in 2021, stricter rules apply to foods that are prepacked for direct sale (PPDS). While this often refers to items like sandwiches and deli pots, it can also affect produce. For example, if a supermarket packs individual fruit pots or salads on-site, they must include a full ingredients list with any allergens emphasised in bold. These items are treated differently from factory-sealed products and have distinct labelling rules to protect consumers with allergies.
Exemptions for Fresh Produce
The most significant exemption applies to fresh, unprocessed, and non-prepacked produce. This includes items like:
- Loose fruit and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, potatoes, and peppers sold individually from a crate or shelf.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables that have not been peeled, cut, or similarly treated.
- Products consisting of a single ingredient where the name of the food clearly identifies what the ingredient is, for example, a loose melon.
Additionally, small food producers who sell directly to consumers, or to local retail outlets that supply directly to consumers, are also exempt from mandatory nutrition declarations. However, this exemption does not remove the legal requirement to provide allergen information where applicable.
Comparison of Labelling Requirements for Produce
| Category | Nutritional Information | Ingredients List | Allergen Labelling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepacked Produce | Mandatory (energy, fat, saturates, etc.) | Mandatory (descending order of weight) | Mandatory (emphasised within ingredients) |
| Loose Produce | Not required | Not required (unless multiple ingredients) | Mandatory (verbally or via signage) |
| Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS) | Not required (but calorie info may be) | Mandatory (full list with allergens emphasised) | Mandatory (emphasised within ingredients) |
| Single Ingredient (prepacked) | Not required (generally exempt) | Not required (name is sufficient) | Mandatory (if contains allergens) |
The Role of Voluntary Information
Food businesses can voluntarily provide nutritional information even when not legally required to do so. Many choose to add a nutritional table to loose produce displays, as seen in some supermarket fresh produce aisles. The format must adhere to the same standards as mandatory labelling if it is provided. For fresh, loose items, providing information voluntarily can help consumers make informed choices.
Conclusion
The requirement for nutritional information on UK produce is not universal but depends on the product's packaging and sales method. While most prepacked goods require a full nutritional declaration, fresh, unprocessed items sold loose are exempt from this specific requirement. The key distinction lies between loose, minimally processed food and items that are packaged, particularly those prepacked for direct sale, which now have stricter allergen labelling rules under 'Natasha's Law'. For businesses and consumers, understanding these different categories is crucial for legal compliance and informed purchasing decisions.
Food labelling regulations are enforced by local authorities to ensure that food information is accurate, not misleading, and provides essential details, especially regarding allergens.
