Nutrition labelling and claims about nutritional and health content
What to include when displaying mandatory nutrition declaration on food labels, and the rules you must follow when making nutritional or health claims for food.
Most prepacked foods must display a mandatory nutrition declaration (often called ‘back of pack’ nutrition labelling). When nutrition information is provided, the mandatory declaration must include, in this order:
- energy value
- fat
- saturates
- carbohydrate
- sugars
- protein
- salt
You should present nutrition information clearly and consistently, and follow the formatting rules (including minimum font size and presentation requirements) set out in official guidance.
Supplementary nutrients
You can supplement the content of the mandatory nutrition declaration with an indication of the amounts of one or more of the following:
- monounsaturated fat
- polyunsaturated fat
- polyols
- starch
- fibre
- certain vitamins or minerals present in significant amounts as outlined in relevant regulations
Under the Windsor Framework, EU food law relating to nutrition labelling, composition and standards continues to apply to all food produced in Northern Ireland.
Claims about nutritional and health content
Nutrition claims suggest that a food has beneficial nutritional properties. They include statements such as:
- low fat
- source of calcium
- high fibre
- reduced salt
- no added sugar
Health claims suggest a relationship between food (or one of its ingredients) and health. They focus on the positive relationship between the specific nutrient and the health of the person consuming it. For example:
- diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure
- calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- vitamin D is needed for normal growth and bone development in children
- vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Find other examples of authorised health claims in the public EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims.
Health and nutrition claims in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, nutrition and health claims on food labels must follow EU rules under the Windsor Framework.
You can only use authorised claims from the official EU Register claims list. Each claim lists exact conditions your product must meet - for example, ‘high fibre’ needs 6g fibre per 100g of product. Claims require scientific evidence, and strict rules are in place to prevent false marketing that could mislead consumers or give your business an unfair advantage. If making a health claim for foods that are exclusively targeting children, an authorised Article 14(1)(b) health claim must be used.