Nutrition declaration according to Food Information Ordinance

The nutrition table provides consumers with all the important information about the nutritional composition of food, enabling them to compare products with each other.

Since 13.12.2016, the nutrition declaration has been one of the mandatory labelling elements for pre-packaged foods. This is regulated at European level by "Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers" (Food Information Regulation - LMIV).

Mandatory information (BIG7)

The mandatory data per 100 g (ml), also referred to as BIG7, shall normally be presented in the form of a table. It must contain energy in kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal) and fat, including saturated fats, carbohydrates, including sugar, protein and salt.The energy value and nutrients shall be given in the order given in Annex XV to the LMIV.

Example of mandatory labelling according to LMIV:

Average nutritional values per 100g
Energy kJ/kcal 1609/388
Fat
- of which saturated fatty acids
32g
12g
Carbohydrates
- of which suga
10g
4,0g
Protein 15g
Salt 2,2g

Optional data and exceptions

In addition to the mandatory information, further nutrients may be declared on a voluntary basis. Monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyhydric alcohols, starch, fibre and vitamins and minerals present in significant quantities may be listed. The order of the information in Annex XV of the LMIV should be observed. The calorific value and the nutrient quantities may also be given as a percentage of the reference quantities laid down in Annex XIII of the LMIV.

Not every food requires a nutrition declaration. Annex V of the LMIV contains a list of foods exempted from the mandatory nutrition declaration. These include unprocessed products consisting of only one ingredient, herbs and spices, coffee, tea and foodstuffs in packaging with a maximum surface area of less than 25 cm².

In addition, the information per portion or per unit of consumption can also be given in the sewing value table.

Tolerances and rounding guidelines

Nutrient claims are average values, as food is subject to change due to natural variations, seasonal influences in the cultivation, transport and storage of ingredients and food. However, nutrient levels should only vary within certain limits.

The European Commission has therefore published a guide for competent authorities to monitor compliance with EU legislation. This document provides guidance on tolerances and rounding guidelines for the declaration of nutritional values or vitamins and minerals.

The ifp Institute for Product Quality carries out state-of-the-art nutritional analyses. Our team supports you in preparing the nutrition declaration of your products. Please do not hesitate to contact us.