If you are designing a label, it may be useful to have a checklist of items to consider. This page gives a listing set out to assist in the design of a label to meet legal requirements.

Where a link is given, click on the link to have the relevant page appear on the left of the screen.

• Name of Food: You must have a legal name (not the brand name). See Name of food

• List of Ingredients: Most foods need an ingredients' list (although some are exempt). See Ingredients for a listing of exempt foods and the requirements for writing the list.

• Quantitative Declaration of Ingredients: Does your product name or the product information given on the label trigger a requirement to provide a % declaration on the amount used? See QUID for guidance.

• Date Marking: Most foods will need to have either a 'best before' date or a 'use by' date. Some foods are exempt. Have a look at Date marking.

• Name and Address: The label must have the name and address of the manufacturer or packer, and/or, a seller established within the EC.

• Information which can be left out: In a limited number of cases some information can be omitted from a label. Check Omissions to see if this is possible for your product.

• Extra Information: It is also possible that your food will need extra details! Have a look at Additional requirements.

• Claims: There are tight controls on the language used to describe some aspects of your food (e.g. energy value, protein value). If you want to make a claim, have a look at the restrictions listed on Claims.

• Nutrition Labelling: Where nutrition labelling is given, it must meet prescribed design requirements. These are specified on Nutrition labelling. What should be included is covered on Nutrition labelling - content.

• Allergen Labelling: The law requires that the presence of certain specified allergens is clearly declared on the label. Information on the requirements can be found on Allergen labelling

• Misleading Descriptions: Certain words or phrases on a label can only be used where certain conditions are met. If you fail to meet the requirements, the label can be regarded as 'misleading'. Look through the list on Misleading descriptions to determine if this applies to you.

• Genetically Modified Foods and Ingredients: Special rules have been introduced to provide consumer information when a food or its ingredients have been genetically modified. Where you have information indicating that this applies to your food, have a look at GM Food.

• Lot Marking: There is a legal requirement for producers to mark their foods with an indication enabling them to withdraw a 'lot' in the event of a problem. Some foods are exempt. Details are given on Lot marking.

• Other Legal Requirements: These pages describe the general food labelling controls. Some foods have special regulations which control their composition and provide additional or different labelling requirements. A listing of these other Regulations (not covered in detail on these pages) is given on Specific foods.

• Food Safety Act: When you think you have the perfect label, don't forget the over-riding requirement of the Food Safety Act. Have a read of Food Safety Act for the precise wording to see if you are OK.

• Weight Requirements: Although not part of food labelling law, most foods are required to have an indication of the weight of the food contained within the package. Some guidance is given on Weights.