DirectorSafer Food Scores give us the confidence that risks are identified, standards are maintained and our teams are properly supported.
We have worked with members of the team for over 20 years, and they continue to deliver practical training, clear documentation and straightforward advice that works in day-to-day operations.
Their 6-monthly audits help us maintain high standards across our sites, and they are always professional, responsive and knowledgeable. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended.
Our experts carry out food label checks reducing the risk of costly product recalls
Food label checks and the law
Food business operators need to label pre-packaged foods and check that any food label that they apply, meets UK food labelling legislation. Incorrectly labelled foods can lead to legal action being taken by Trading Standards Officers, costly product recalls and claims made by customers that may have suffered allergic reactions to foods that have been mislabelled.
About our food label checks
Our food label experts can examine and advise whether your food labels comply with both existing and planned food labelling regulations. We issue you with a food label compliance report that to assist with your due diligence. If there are any mistakes or omissions, we advise what is required and once changes are made we re-check the label at no extra cost. We work with importers, manufacturers and retailers and also run food labelling training courses.
What information is required on a food label
Food label requirements are complex and vary from product to product. In the main, they only apply to prepackaged foods and not to foods sold loose. There are also exemptions to certain rules if the foods are packed on the same site that they are sold from. There are certain basic requirements required on a food label:
• Food name – this may be one required by law (e.g. jam or butter) or a customary name (e.g. fish fingers or spaghetti). If neither of these apply, the name must be sufficiently precise to distinguish it from products with which it could be confused
• List of ingredients – in descending order, by weight with food allergens highlighted in some way (usually in bold)
• Percentage quantity indication – only applies to certain ingredients (QUID declaration)
• Durability date – a ‘use by’, ‘best before’ or ‘best before end’ date
• Any special storage or use conditions – e.g. store refrigerated and use within two days of opening
• Name and address – of the manufacturer, packer or seller
• Place of origin – if its omission could mislead e.g. a French product with a Union Jack on the label
• Any instructions for use – if necessary to use the food e.g. cooking times and temperatures
• Nutritional content – the amount of energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt (we can help you calculate nutritional data or arrange lab testing)
This was a brief summary as there are specific rules about the details of each of these indications, and the manner in which they are presented, which also need to be followed. Some food types have additional requirements e.g. products of animal origin, jam, chocolate.
Client testimonials
General Manager The Stafford LondonThe Stafford is one of London’s most historic and quintessentially English five-star hotels. Our teams provide unrivalled levels of service and expect our suppliers to do the same. Safer Food Scores have not disappointed.
The team at Safer Food Scores visit regularly to support and coach our chefs and to keep us up-to-date with new legislation and guidance. They have developed an easy to use food safety management system that is primary authority assured. This means that local environmental health officers and our guests can be confident that it will achieve high standards of food safety, and we can be confident that we will receive fair and consistent enforcement.
Safer Food Scores are always on hand with honest and easy to understand advice and I would be happy to recommend their services.
Regional Director Pentahotels UKSafer Food Scores have helped us identify risks, stay compliant and achieve maximum hygiene ratings across all of our sites.
Over the past four years, they have supported us in implementing food safety and health & safety management systems, providing practical guidance, clear recommendations and a thorough audit process.
Their team are knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with, and we would highly recommend them to any business looking for expert support in food safety and health & safety.
