Agroaldea
According to the two new regulations, Packaged foods must report nutritional aspects such as total and saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salt, among others.
From this Friday, the labels of packaged foods will carry more information related to allergens and, in the case of fishery products, to the fishing gear used to catch it, in application of the two new regulations on labeling and consumer information that come into force.
As explained by the Association of Spanish Supermarket Chains (Aces), The change in regulations will affect new products that enter the market starting this Friday 13 of December, so for a while the two label formats will coexist on store shelves..
These two regulations introduce important changes in information for the consumer, all with the aim of improving knowledge of food, according to the association.
Among the main novelties for packaged products, Mandatory nutritional information is established for almost all packaged foods, what should appear on the label, both in terms of composition of nutrient groups (total and saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salt) as the energy value per 100 g or por 100 ml.
They are introduced, In addition, very detailed rules on the clarity and legibility of labeling, with requirements for font size and location of information.
The label must detail the country of origin of the product when its omission could mislead the consumer and rules are determined to make this obligation effective..
Data on allergens that must appear in the list of ingredients are also regulated as mandatory..
In the case of oils or fats of vegetable origin, among others, it is specified how they can appear on the labeling.
When nutritional information is voluntarily disseminated on a product or must be provided because it includes nutritional or health claims - or because it is a food to which vitamins have been added, minerals or other substances, must also comply with the new requirements from 13 December of 2014.
The new regulations do not introduce changes for unpackaged fresh fruits and vegetables, and in the case of meats, the mandatory information differs depending on the types.
For fishing products, It will be necessary to indicate the area and the capture gear used and the breeding area in the case of aquaculture, Thus, in the “Northeast Atlantic” and “Mediterranean and Black Sea” zones, the subzone will have to be indicated..
In foods sold in bulk, The consumer may request mandatory information on allergens and ingredients.