NEWS
December 2011
New food labelling regulation published - Thursday 8 December 2011
The new Food Information Regulation (FIR), designed to make food labelling easier to understand for consumers, has been published by the European Union.
The regulation combines rules on general food and nutrition labelling into a single EU regulation (see link below). Transitional arrangements set out in the FIR mean that the bulk of the requirements will not apply until 2014, with nutrition labelling becoming mandatory in 2016.
Main points of the regulationThe main points are:
Country of origin – subject to further discussion, the introduction of mandatory origin information for most fresh and frozen meat. For example, it will be possible for 'Scotland', 'England', 'Wales' and 'Northern Ireland' to be used on food labels without mentioning 'UK' under new provenance rules. Also, the origin of main ingredients will have to be given if different from where the final product is made.
Nutrition labelling will be required for most foods. Simplified information may be provided voluntarily on front of pack.
Labelling clarity – a minimum font size has been set for all mandatory information on most food labels.
Allergen information will have to be provided on all food (whether sold prepacked or loose). For prepacked foods, the allergens will have to be highlighted on the ingredient list.
Drinks with high caffeine content will have to be additionally labelled as not recommended for children, or pregnant and breastfeeding women, with the actual caffeine content quoted.
Meat and fish products that look like a cut, joint or slice and contain more than 5% added water will have to show this in the name of the food.
The types of vegetable oil used in food, such as palm oil, must be stated.
The EU has also agreed:
To make it easier for alcoholic drinks companies to voluntarily include calorie information on product labels.
To enable voluntary provision of calorie information in out of home settings.
To continue to permit selling by numbers – such as a dozen bread rolls or eggs.
December 2011
Extension to Scope of Accreditation
Full suite of Allergens from £48.50 per det and Meat speciation from £19.00, lowest prices in Europe.
October 2011
The New EU Food Information Regulations have been adopted
On the 29th September 2011 the EU had finally agreed on the format for the new Food Information Regulations and ends a long running debate between the European Parliament and the Council. This adoption concludes the first major review of EU food labelling in 30 years and consolidates 2000/13/EEC- Labelling and presentation of foodstuffs and 90/496/EEC nutrition labelling of food stuffs. The aim of the regulations is to ensure that labels are legible, understandable and not misleading.
The new regulations will contain new requirements which will have a financial impact on all food manufacturers including caterers and restaurants. Some of the major changes will include:
Country of origin – The introduction of mandatory origin information for fresh and frozen meat. In addition, the origin of main ingredients will have to be given if different from where the final product is made.
Nutrition labelling will be compulsory for all processed pre-packed foods. Simplified information may be provided voluntarily on front of pack.
Labelling clarity – a minimum font size has been set for all mandatory information on labels.
Allergen information will have to be provided on all food sold pre-packed or loose. All allergens will have to be highlighted on the ingredient list.
The regulations will be published in the European Union’s Official Journal and then come into force soon after (Normally 20 days after publication). However food producers will have a transitional period of 3 years to adopt the new rules. For nutrition information, producers will have at least 5 years to implement.
OCTOBER 2011
Our Nutritional dept is pleased to announce the launch of 6 HOUR full nutritional service, a SAME day service, a following day service in addition to the standard 3, 5 and 10 day routine analysis services. Intertek Leads the way. NOTE - THIS IS NOT A MONDAY TO THURSDAY SERVICE,THIS IS SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK UNLIKE OTHER LABS. If you require a price for these new services please click here.
ALSO MEAT CONTENTS AND GROUP I NUTRITIONAL SERVICE - SAME DAY.
Sales & Marketing Director Steve Watt says: “Customer service is of the upmost importantance to us and we aim to maintain the lead in our competitive marketplace. Our industry leading 3-day service is used frequently by most of our clients. Launching these three (3 hour, same day and following day) services ensures that we maintain the industry lead, thus giving our clients more choice in dealing with NPD labelling targets to meet the demands of the retailers.”
Guaranteed to be tested on day of collection, NOT the following day. We also work WEEKENDS.
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AUGUST 2011
As per the stock market announcement on Monday 1st August 2011 the shares of Food Analytical Laboratories were wholly acquired by Intertek Group plc. The company will adopt new branding as from the 1st September and the UKAS accreditation status will transfer to the new entity. Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and 30,000 people in over 100 countries around the world.
Intertek Group plc (LSE: ITRK) is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Main Web site: http://www.intertek.com
The main changes that will be initially apparent will be the name which will change to Intertek Food & Agri Services. However behind the scenes we will have access to 1,000 laboratories around the world and in the UK which we can sub contract to as required. In all cases client approval will be sought as is the case at present. You will benefit from expanded reliable food services at the highest level of performance – enabling solutions from farm to fork. Together we will meet the increasing testing, analytics and certification needs the food industry is asking for on a global scale.
REGISTERED NUMBER: 05942972 (England and Wales) For Terms and Conditions