The regulation on food additive labeling on product packaging

Food additive labeling regulations on product packaging labels is a requirement for food manufacturers and traders in Vietnam. Compliance with this regulation not only ensures product information transparency but also protects consumer rights. The following article will clarify the latest regulations on food additive labeling, helping businesses understand and comply with the law.

How to record additive ingredients on food labels

The recording of additive ingredients on food labels is clearly regulated in Point a, Clause 3, Article 16 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, amended by Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree 111/2021/ND-CP. Accordingly, there are cases recorded as follows:

• If the ingredient is an additive, write the name of the additive group, the name of the additive or the INS international code (if any);
• In case the additive is a sweetener or coloring agent, write the name of the group of sweeteners or coloring substances, write the name of the substance or the INS international code (if any) and write whether the substance is “natural”, “natural-like”, “synthetic” or “artificial”.
• In case the additive is a flavoring, write “fragrance” with one or more of the following phrases to clarify the meaning: “natural”, “natural-like”, “synthetic”; “artificial”.
• In case the national additive code coincides with the international code (INS), the national code can be written instead of the international code (INS).

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Compulsory content of food additive labeling on product packaging

Pursuant to Appendix I issued with Decree 111/2021/ND-CP, mandatory content on food additive labels includes:

• Production date.
• Quantitative ingredients.
• Instructions for use, instructions for storage.
• Phrase: “Food additive”.
• Warning information (if any).

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Any additive ingredients do not have to be quantified

According to Article 13 of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, goods quantified by measurement quantities must be recorded in accordance with Vietnamese law on measurement. However, for substances used to create color, scent, or taste, if that color, flavor, or taste is accompanied by the name of the goods, the quantity is not required.

Food additive labeling consulting service on Long Phan’s product packaging

Long Phan Consulting Company provides professional consulting services on food additive labeling on product packaging, including:

• Consulting on the latest legal regulations on food labeling.
• Check and evaluate the legality of current product labels.
• Consulting on required content on food additive labels.
• Advise on cases where it is not necessary to record the quantity of additive ingredients.
• Consulting on legal procedures related to quality declaration and trademark registration.
• Resolve arising issues related to product label inspection and testing.
• Consulting and solving other related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are frequently asked questions about food additive labeling on product packaging that customers can refer to:

What are food additives?

Food additives are substances added to food during production, processing, storage or transportation to improve flavor, color, texture or extend shelf life.

Why is food additive labeling necessary?

Food additive labeling helps consumers clearly understand product ingredients, thereby making appropriate choices and protecting their health.

What groups of food additives are commonly used?

Common additive groups include colorants, sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, thickeners and flavorings.

How will food additive labeling regulations be handled?

Sanctions include warnings, fines, product recall and suspension of business operations, depending on the level of violation.

What is the INS code of a food additive?

INS (International Numbering System) is an international coding system used to identify food additives.

Conclude

Complying with food additive labeling regulations not only demonstrates a business’s responsibility to consumers but also ensures legal business operations. If you have any questions or need more detailed advice, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via the hotline: 0906735386 for dedicated support.