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AFSCA detects non-compliance with European regulations on food labeling

Belgium

Oct 21, 2024

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA in french) has published the results of inspections of 1,240 retailers across Belgium, according to which more than half of the inspections carried out found that food labels did not comply with EU regulations.

The figures are worrying: 53% of the checks showed that certain labels did not meet the requirements of the European regulation. Among these non-compliances, almost 20% presented a real risk to consumer health. The most common infringements include:

  • Absence of expiration date: observed in one third of cases.
  • Missing ingredient list: observed in more than 22% of cases.
  • Unlisted allergens: found on 20% of labels.

In addition, almost 24% of the labels were not written in the appropriate language for the region where the product was sold.

AFSCA notes that these statements are essential to inform consumers and enable them to make informed choices. Other notable deficiencies include the absence of the sales name and contact details of the responsible operator. At the end of these controls, action was taken: warnings were issued in 36% of cases and complaints in 17%.

 

For further information (in French), click on the Link / Link

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