About EU Food Information Regulation (LMIV)

The European Union Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (LMIV) establishes harmonized rules across all EU member states regarding food labeling and information provided to consumers. This regulation has been in effect since December 13, 2014, with nutritional labeling requirements applying from December 13, 2016.

The regulation aims to ensure a high level of consumer protection regarding food information, while guaranteeing the smooth functioning of the internal market. It provides consumers with the right to information and establishes procedures for providing food information.

14 Major Allergens - Mandatory Declaration

According to Annex II of the LMIV regulation, the following 14 substances or products causing allergies or intolerances must be clearly labeled:

1. Cereals containing gluten

Wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut or their hybridised strains

2. Crustaceans

Shrimps, lobster, crabs and products thereof

3. Eggs

Eggs and products thereof

4. Fish

Fish and products thereof

5. Peanuts

Peanuts and products thereof

6. Soybeans

Soybeans and products thereof

7. Milk

Milk and products thereof (including lactose)

8. Nuts

Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts

9. Celery

Celery and products thereof

10. Mustard

Mustard and products thereof

11. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds and products thereof

12. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites

In concentrations > 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l

13. Lupin

Lupin and products thereof

14. Molluscs

Molluscs and products thereof

Labeling Requirements

For Pre-packaged Foods:

Allergens must be highlighted in the list of ingredients using a typographical means that clearly distinguishes them from the rest of the ingredient list (e.g., font type, style, or background color).

For Non-pre-packaged Foods:

Member states may determine the means by which information about allergens is provided for non-pre-packaged foods. This can be done in writing, electronically, or orally, but written documentation must be easily accessible upon request.

Key Provisions

Minimum font size: 1.2 mm (x-height) for mandatory information

Nutritional declaration: Mandatory for most pre-packaged foods

Country of origin: Required for certain food categories

Language requirements: Information must be in a language easily understood by consumers