Nutritional Labelling Meeting

Douglas Scott and Bruce McCall had a very fruitful meeting with representatives of the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee's sub group Carolyn Cooper (Glasgow) and Jane Couper (Dundee) along with Russel Napier from Food Standards Scotland.

The meeting was set up to discuss nutritional labelling requirements that come into force in December 2016. Clarity was given into the exemptions (see link below). The regulations relate to packaged products only and exemptions are possible if the food business turns over less than €2m and has ten employees or less. (Full time equivalents).

Where businesses need to comply the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Nutrition calculator is still the most economical place to work out declarations.

Requirements for online sales depends upon whether ordered direct or indirect. Where ordered direct and therefore there is easy access to the manufacturer, then exemption applies. Online understandings differ in devolved administrations but some clarification is expected in January 2017.

Pre packed for direct sale inc online from the manufacturer:-
Name and allergens should be all that is required.

The meeting went on to discuss further the Food Standards Sub Committee's desire to review guidance on Food Standards. SFMTA revealed the guidance that they currently use on their own members only website and it was agreed to share that with the sub committee members in an attempt to tidy up to what is current guidance. The sub committee would then review how they could communicate this guidance to butchers.

SFMTA looks forward to working with SFELC to create better understanding amongst both members and enforcers.