A product label - for some it is just a colourful scrap of paper, for others a key source of information. At Tarpak, where we deal with the heart of the production process on a daily basis, we know one thing: the label is a silent salesman, a business card of the company and a guardian of consumer safety in one. It is the first element that establishes a dialogue with the customer, builds trust and often decides whether a product will end up in the shopping basket. In the maze of legal regulations and growing consumer expectations, proper labelling of goods is becoming one of the biggest challenges for producers. So what information should a label contain in order to comply with all standards and at the same time effectively communicate with the market? We invite you to read our comprehensive guide.
Legal foundation - or where to start?
Before going into specific guidelines, it is important to understand that product labelling is not a matter of discretion, but a precisely defined legal obligation. In Poland, as in the whole of the European Union, a key role is played by uniform regulations which aim to ensure the free movement of goods and a high level of consumer protection. The key piece of legislation in the context of food products is Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council in on the provision of food information to consumers. It establishes general principles, objectives and requirements for what information should be found on packaging. This process, which is marking of goods (labelling), aims to ensure that every consumer has access to clear, readable and reliable data about the product they are about to buy.
These rules ensure that, regardless of the country of purchase within the EU, the consumer receives the same set of key information. For the trader, this means that the guidelines must be strictly adhered to, as any failure to do so could lead to serious consequences, including financial penalties or product recalls. Importantly, this information must be presented in Polish, if good is marketed at in Poland. This is the absolute basis, from which there are no exceptions, and its purpose is for the final recipient to fully understand the message.
Food labelling - what needs to be on it?
It is in the case of food products the list of mandatory information is the longest and most restrictive. This, of course, has to do with the direct impact of this category of products on our health and security. Under the current regulations, any product label The food service must include:
- Product name: It must comply with the regulations and accurately describe the purpose of the product, and not just a trade name.
- List of ingredients: This is one of the most important pieces of information for consumers. Ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight at the time of production. Particular attention should be paid to allergenic substances (e.g. nuts, gluten, milk), which must be clearly highlighted in the text (e.g. in bold). Information on product composition are crucial for people with food allergies and intolerances.
- Net quantity: Specifies the weight or volume of the product without packaging.
- Minimum durability date or 'use by' date: These are two different pieces of information. „Best before” (date of minimum durability) indicates until when the product retains its properties i high quality. In contrast, „shelf life” (to be consumed by) applies to products that are not microbiologically stable (e.g. meat, dairy products), after which the foodstuffs may pose a health risk.
- Manufacturer data: Full company name or entity that introduces goods to the market, and its registered office address. This enables identification and contact if you have any questions or problems.
- Country or place of origin: Mandatory information for certain meats, honey, olive oil, and where the absence of this information could mislead the consumer.
- Conditions of storage or use: Recommendations on how to store the product after opening or how to prepare it for consumption.
- Nutritional information: The mandatory nutritional table must provide information on the energy value and the content of fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salt in 100 g or 100 ml of the product.
Labelling of other goods - cosmetics, chemicals, electronics
Although food labelling is the most regulated, other categories also consumer products are strictly regulated. For cosmetics necessary is to indicate the composition according to INCI (International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients), the expiry date (open jar symbol PAO), specific warnings (e.g. avoid contact with the eyes) and the function of the product. Many of these products, especially dietary supplements or medicines, are packaged in a blisters, which must also have basic indications such as the name and expiry date, even if the full information is on the outer packaging.
In the case of household chemicals or toys for label there must be pictograms and alerts informing about potential hazards (e.g. corrosive substances, flammable substances). Toys intended for young children i babies must have a clear age designation and CE marking, which is the manufacturer's declaration that the product complies with the requirements of EU directives. On the other hand, on electronic equipment, in addition to the CE mark, we find, among other things, the symbol of the crossed-out rubbish bin, which informs about the principles of disposal.
Readability and technology at the service of information
All of the above information should be presented in a legible and comprehensible manner. The legislation even specifies a minimum font size to ensure adequate readability labels, which is particularly important for the elderly or visually impaired. In the age of production automation, where precision and efficiency matter, advanced packaging machines. Modern labelling lines, which are part of our range at Tarpak, not only guarantee fast and accurate labelling on any type of packaging - from jars to bottles, plastic packaging, up to cartons - but also the integration of printing systems that carry variable data such as batch number or date of minimum durability in real time.
It is technology that makes the complex process product labelling becomes repeatable and error-free. It is also worth mentioning the growing role played by the barcodes (EAN), necessary for the identification of goods in retail chains and logistics, and QR codes. The latter open up completely new possibilities - when scanned with a smartphone, they can take the consumer to a website with additional information about the product, its origin, recipes or detailed instructions use of. This is an excellent way to extend communication without overloading the label itself.
Summary: The label as an investment in the brand
Properly prepared product label is much more than just compliance. It is the foundation for building a transparent and trustworthy brand. By investing in quality and completeness of information, we invest in the loyalty of a customer who feels safe and informed about their choice. W still We are witnessing a growing awareness among consumers, who are actively seeking information about composition, origin or nutritional values. It is therefore worth seeing the labelling process not as an onerous obligation, but as a powerful marketing tool and a guarantee of an honest relationship with the market.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a „date of minimum durability” and a „use by date”?
„Minimum durability date” (usually in the form „Best before...”) means the date until which a properly stored product retains its best quality and characteristics, such as taste, smell or texture. After this date, as long as it is not spoiled, it is still safe to eat. On the other hand, the „best before date” („Use by...”) applies to perishable products (e.g. fresh meat, fish, dairy products), which must not be eaten after the indicated date as they may present a health risk.
Is it always compulsory to highlight allergens in the composition?
Yes, this is an absolute legal requirement under EU Regulation 1169/2011. Each ingredient or excipient from the list of 14 major allergens (e.g. gluten, crustaceans, eggs, nuts, soya, milk, celery, mustard) must be clearly distinguished from the rest of the ingredient list, for example by means of bold, a different font colour or underlining.
What are the consequences of marketing a mislabelled product?
The consequences depend on the seriousness of the infringement. They can include financial penalties from the Trade Inspection or Sanitary Inspectorate, an order to stop the sale of a batch of goods and, in extreme cases, even the need to withdraw the entire product from the market. Incorrect labelling, especially of allergens or shelf life, can also expose a company to civil law claims from consumers who have suffered damage to their health, as well as causing a serious image crisis.
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