Food labels are essential for providing consumers with information about the content and characteristics of food products, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions.

An audit conducted by the EU highlights that while food labelling in the EU can help consumers, there are significant gaps in the legal framework and weaknesses in monitoring, reporting, and enforcement. Seven out of eleven planned updates to EU labelling rules remain incomplete, leading some member states to implement their own measures, which create inequities in access to food-related information.

 Innovative labelling practices by food companies have added complexity, often confusing or misleading consumers, while awareness campaigns remain sporadic. Control systems in member states are insufficient for voluntary labels and online retail, and sanctions for non-compliance are not always effective.

The audit recommends that the EU address these gaps, analyse labelling practices, monitor consumer understanding, strengthen checks, and improve reporting systems to ensure labels are clear, accurate, and accessible.

If you are a member of IBE-BVI Group, click here to request the report.