When packaging food, proper labeling of „packaged goods“ is essential, in contrast to „loose goods.“ Labeling requirements are governed by Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (FIC). Generally, this obligation applies to packaged foods, with exceptions for items packaged upon consumer request or pre-packaged for immediate sale, except for allergen information.
Labels must be affixed directly to the packaging or on an attached label, and they must be visible, legible, durable, and easily understandable. A minimum font size of 1.2 mm is required.
Key Labeling Elements:
- Name of the food
- List of ingredients (including QUID)
- Name and address of the producer
- Net quantity
- Minimum durability or use-by date
- Storage conditions
- Lot or batch number
- Instructions for use (if needed)
- Alcohol content (for beverages)
- Packaging in a protective atmosphere statement
- Nutritional information (with some exceptions)
- Allergen information must be highlighted in the ingredients list. For loose goods, allergen information can be given in writing or orally.
Written allergen information can be provided in menus or near the product. Oral information must be provided by a trained staff member, with a notice posted visibly. Online allergen training is available at: www.allergene-schulung.at.
Sample labels reviewed by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) are available as templates. These can be tailored to specific recipes and preparations. Sample labels are available at the Chambers of Agriculture and at www.gutesvombauernhof.at.
Quelle: https://www.wko.at/oe/handel/lebensmittelhandel/kennzeichnung
