Food Labelling

Food labelling is not just a matter of compliance; it's a cornerstone of informed consumer choice and safety. Labels on food products provide consumers with vital information about what they're eating, from nutritional content and ingredient lists to allergen warnings and expiration dates. These details empower individuals to make healthier dietary decisions, accommodate specific dietary restrictions or allergies, and better understand the quality and source of the food they consume. Food labelling plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparency, building trust between consumers and producers, and, most importantly, safeguarding public health. It's an essential tool that fosters a more responsible and conscious approach to food consumption, allowing individuals to take charge of their well-being and make choices that align with their values and preferences.

Natasha’s Law

Athena is proud to help organisations adhere to Natasha’s Law a UK legislation introduced in memory of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically died from an allergic reaction to an unlabelled ingredient in a pre-packaged sandwich.

This law requires kitchens and food sellers to provide full ingredient and allergen labelling on pre-packaged foods for direct sale.

The Athena plays a crucial role in helping food businesses comply with Natasha's Law by ensuring accurate and comprehensive allergen and ingredient information is readily available and easily accessible.

The Advantage of Food Labelling

Food labelling is essential for providing consumers with crucial information about the products they are consuming. Using the Athena food labelling solution you can include as much or as little as you want. You can automate a print run or create one off as required. Here's a list of common elements that can be included on food labels:

Product Name

The name of the food product, which should accurately represent its content

Ingredient List

A detailed list of all the ingredients in the product, with the most predominant ingredient listed first

Allergen Information

Identification of common allergens present in the product, such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, wheat, eggs, fish, and shellfish

Nutritional Information

This includes information on serving size, calories, macronutrients (e.g., fat, protein, carbohydrates), and micronutrients (e.g., vitamins and minerals)

Daily Values (DV)

The percentage of recommended daily intake that the product provides based on a 2,000-calorie diet

Calories per Serving

The number of calories in a single serving of the product

Serving Size

The recommended serving size for the product, allowing consumers to understand the nutritional content relative to what they typically consume

Expiration Date or Best-By Date

The date indicating when the product is safe to consume or of optimal quality

Use-By Date

A date indicating the last date a product is guaranteed to be at its best quality

Storage Instructions

Information on how the product should be stored, whether at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer

Cooking or Preparation Instructions

Guidelines for cooking or preparing the product, including temperature and time recommendations

Net Weight or Volume

The quantity of the product in the package, typically in ounces, grams, litres, or millilitres

Country of Origin

The country where the product was produced or manufactured

Packaging Information

Details about the packaging material and any special instructions, such as "resealable"

Manufacturer's Name and Address

Contact information for the company responsible for the product

Certifications and Claims

Labels may include certifications like "organic," "non-GMO," "gluten-free," or claims such as "low fat" or "high in fiber"

Barcode or UPC Code

A unique code that allows for easy tracking of the product at the point of sale

Dietary Guidance Statements

Information for specific dietary needs, such as "suitable for vegetarians" or "heart-healthy"

Disposal Instructions

Information on how to properly dispose of the packaging or any environmental considerations

These elements on food labels are crucial for helping consumers make informed choices about the foods they purchase and consume, whether for health, dietary restrictions, or other personal preferences. They also play a significant role in food safety and regulatory compliance.