New information obligations in food retail

Previously, nutritional value labelling for foodstuffs was voluntary; from 13.12.2016 onwards, it is mandatory. We have summarized here what online retailers in particular should take into account.

The obligation to provide nutritional declarations for foodstuffs derives from the Verordnung (EU) Nr. 1169/2011 – Lebensmittelinformationsverordnung (LMIV). The Regulation has largely applied since 13.12.2014, but nutritional value labelling has only been mandatory since 13.12.2016.

This obligation applies both to packaged foodstuffs and in distance selling, including for online retailers.

Exempted from the nutritional declaration are, inter alia, alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 1.2 percent by volume.

Mandatory information

The following information is required:

• Energy value
• Amounts of fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt

Voluntary information

The nutritional declaration may be supplemented by the following information:

• monounsaturated fatty acids
• polyunsaturated fatty acids
• polyols
• starch
• fibre
• vitamins or minerals in accordance with Annex XIII of the LMIV

Conclusion regarding nutritional value labelling

In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection with regard to information about foodstuffs, an obligation to provide nutritional declarations is advisable. In order to avoid the risk of a cease and desist notice, it is necessary to supplement the corresponding information. We would be pleased to support you in this.