Britain is changing food labelling rules after Brexit
The rules for what a producer must show on food labels will change for some food and drink products if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019, says the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
"Some of the new rules will come into effect from exit day. For others, you’ll have longer to update your food labels", a press release stated. While the new regulations are still subject to agreement with devolved administrations and Parliamentary process, food producers, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers must take quick steps to prepare for the day after Brexit.
The guidance document issued by DEFRA stated that "certain changes must be made by 29 March if your UK food product is placed on the UK or EU market after the UK leaves the EU. The UK government is aiming to allow a transition period by encouraging pragmatic enforcement for these labelling changes in relation to goods produced or imported and placed on the UK market after exit day.
EU and other non-EU countries may require wholly accurate labelling for access to their markets. You should get advice from your EU importing contact on the EU’s labelling requirements", says the document.
The food industry also must respect requirements referring to: country of origin labels, EU organic logo, EU emblem.
Some other changes, such as the ones referring to health and identification marks, pre-packaged food and caseins sold in the UK, mixed minced meat, beef and veal, eggs, will come in force after 31 December 2020. The last regulation that will be applied is targeting Geographical Indication (GI) logo and it will be enforced from March 2022. "If you produce a GI-protected food or drink product (except wine or spirits), you must use the relevant UK logo (to be released) on any products for sale in the UK", according to the document.
Labour shortages and workforce challenges Since Brexit, labour shortages have emerged as one of ...
Trumps tariffs On 2 March 2025, US President Donald Trump, announced ‘reciprocal tariffs&r...
BRF, one of the world's largest food companies and owner of the Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy and...
