Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FIC Regulation)
Transparency for end consumers
Main changes introduced by the FIC Regulation
1. Allergen labeling
Substances that cause allergies or intolerances must be clearly highlighted. This is done using special fonts, bold print, or background colors in the list of ingredients. The highlighted allergens include:
- Cereals containing gluten (e.g., wheat, rye, barley)
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Milk (including lactose)
- Nuts (e.g., hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios)
- Celery
- Mustard
- Sesame seeds
- Sulfur dioxide and sulfites (>10 mg/kg or mg/l)
- Lupins
- Mollusks
2. Nutritional labeling
Nutritional information has been mandatory since December 13, 2016. The so-called “Big 7” labeling includes:
- Energy content (kcal/kJ)
- Fat
- Saturated fatty acids
- Carbohydrates
- Sugar
- Protein
- Salt
This information must be provided on the packaging in a specified order and in a clearly legible manner. Additional information, such as fiber or vitamins, is voluntary but must also be provided in the specified order.
3. Legibility of labeling
All mandatory information must be clearly legible, with a minimum font size of 1.2 mm for the x-height. This is to ensure that consumers can easily see the information.
4. Labeling of substitutes and imitations
Food imitations or products containing substitutes must be clearly labeled in close proximity to the product name.
New developments and national additions
The German implementation of the FIC Regulation includes specific provisions for non-prepackaged foods. Since 2015, food service establishments and communal catering providers have been required to provide allergen information either in written or verbal form. Verbal information must be based on written documentation that must be easily accessible to customers.
Further developments include mandatory origin labeling for certain types of meat (e.g. pork, poultry) and stricter labeling requirements for honey, juices, and jams.
Since February 2024, the LMIDV (Food Information Implementation Regulation) has also required vendors of non-prepackaged fresh, chilled, and frozen pork, lamb, goat, and poultry meat to indicate the origin of the meat.
Our Engagement
As a company, we consistently implement the requirements of the FIC Regulation. We continuously review our products and labels to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
