With labels, each of us meets daily - colored, screaming, filled with various slogans and slogans, they attract our attention, pushing for the acquisition of a certain product. Sometimes, however, it's worth stopping at and understanding what is written in small print - then we can get a lot of interesting information.
What should contain the label
What the label should contain is strictly regulated by certain rules. Each of them has:
- Product name.
- Components listed in descending order of quantity( by weight or volume).This means that if carrots are on the first place, then there is more of it in the juice to be purchased than, for example, orange or any other ingredients.
- The number of components expressed as a percentage. This refers to components that are listed verbally, graphically or depicted on a label. What does it mean? So, if we have juice, on the label of which you can see oranges in the overwhelming amount, then the oranges should be in the first place in the composition of the oranges, because they should be the most. If they are in second place or further - the label misleads us. The same happens if on the same juice it is written - orange, apple, carrot, and in the percentage composition we see the reverse sequence.
- The net quantity of our product, in the case of liquids, is expressed in terms of volume, and in the case of solid products - in terms of mass.
- Expiration date.
- If the packaging of the product indicates that it is preferable to "consume before. ..", this means that before this date it retains its specific properties if stored appropriately. After this period, the product is still usable, but the manufacturer does not guarantee that the required properties will be retained.
- If on the package there is an inscription "expiration date for consumption", it means that after this period the consumption of this product entails the risk of disease. The expiration date is indicated, mainly, on products that are sensitive and vulnerable to microbiological infections. Expiration date is not required for fresh fruit and vegetables, alcohol, bakery and confectionery products, vinegar, sugar, salt, etc.
- Storage, use and preparation conditions.
- The name and address of the manufacturer or packing organization, as well as the seller.
- Origin.
- Information on the alcohol content, if it exceeds 1.2% of the volume.
- Information on allergens.
Of course, there are exceptions from each rule, and yes, they also exist for labels. Each type of product can be regulated by its rules and laws, but the fundamentals always remain unchanged.
What might not be on the label?
The label should not mislead the consumer regarding the composition, name or properties of the product. It can not also create the impression that this food product treats the disease or prevents it if the manufacturer does not have the results of relevant studies confirming these properties.
Exceptions are mineral water and specialty foods, for example, food for infants. For them, there are separate rules that determine the way of marking.