Food & Beverages

Marking in food and nutrition refers to the information displayed on food packaging to provide consumers with key details about the product. This includes the list of ingredients, nutritional information, allergen warnings, storage instructions, and expiration dates. The purpose of food labeling is to inform consumers about what they are purchasing and consuming, enabling them to make educated dietary choices. Additionally, food labels help ensure safety by clearly stating allergenic substances and proper storage conditions. In many regions, such as the European Union, food labeling is regulated to maintain transparency and uniformity across the market.

Food marking is important because it plays a critical role in consumer health, safety, and informed decision-making. Labels provide essential details such as nutritional information, allergen declarations, and storage guidelines, helping consumers choose products that align with their dietary needs and preferences. From a safety perspective, coding & marking ensures that potential allergens and proper handling instructions are clearly communicated, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. Furthermore, food labeling supports regulatory compliance by ensuring that products meet the legal standards set by authorities. It also aids in product traceability, making it easier to track items during recalls or quality inspections.

Food labels are required to include specific elements to ensure that consumers are well-informed:

Name of the Food: The product’s name should accurately describe what it is, either by a legal or customary term.

List of Ingredients: All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight to show their proportion in the product.

Allergen Information: Any allergens present, such as nuts, milk, or gluten, must be clearly identified to prevent health risks.

Net Quantity: The weight or volume of the product should be clearly stated for transparency and comparison.

Date Marking: Information such as "best before" or "use by" dates helps consumers understand the product's shelf life and safety for consumption.

These elements are designed to provide comprehensive and clear information to protect and inform consumers while ensuring compliance with food labeling regulations.

The best food labeling system is one that is clear, easy to understand, and helps consumers make informed choices quickly. In Europe, the Nutri-Score system has emerged as a widely recognized and effective labeling method. This system uses a color-coded scale from green to red, combined with letter grades from 'A' (healthiest) to 'E' (least healthy), to summarize the nutritional quality of food products. Nutri-Score simplifies complex nutritional data, making it easier for consumers to compare products at a glance. Research shows that this system encourages healthier food choices, as it provides a straightforward way to evaluate the nutritional value of items.