The Importance of Food Labels in Hong Kong: Ensuring Transparency and Compliance

Food labels play a vital role in the food industry by providing essential information to consumers. These labels help individuals make informed choices that align with their dietary needs and preferences. To protect consumers, the Hong Kong government has established regulations to oversee food label content and penalize those who sell food with inaccurate or misleading labels.

What is Prepackaged Food in Hong Kong?

Prepackaged food refers to any food that is packaged (either fully or partially) in a manner that prevents alteration of its contents without opening or changing the packaging. This type of food is intended for sale to the ultimate consumer or to catering establishments as a single food item.

How Should Prepackaged Food Be Labelled?

According to Schedule 3 of the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) in Hong Kong, the following items must be clearly labelled on prepackaged food:

1. Name of the Food
2. List of Ingredients
3. Durability Indication
4. Statement of Special Conditions for Storage or Instructions for Use
5. Name and Address of Manufacturer or Packer
6. Count, Weight, or Volume of Food
7. Appropriate Language
8. Nutrition Label

Language Requirements

Interestingly, food labels can be written in either English or Chinese. If a label is provided in both languages, the food name and the list of ingredients shall be labelled in a bilingual format.

Durability Indication

The durability of food must be indicated using the terms ‘use by’ or ‘best before’. This indication should be presented in English lettering and Chinese characters, followed by the date. For example:

• Use by 此日期或之前食用 (YYYY年/MM月/DD日)
• Best before 此日期前最佳 (D日/M月/Y年)

Regulatory Compliance and Support

Each mandatory labelling item comes with specific regulatory requirements. Our technical team carefully assesses clients' labels against these requirements and provides feedback to address any compliance issues.

Importance of Regular Assessment

For those in the food industry, it is advisable to regularly evaluate products and understand regulatory obligations to avoid violations. SGS offers services such as food labelling reviews and related assistance, providing professional support to the food industry in navigating regulatory and technical challenges to create accurate food labels.

Accurate food labelling is not just a regulatory requirement; it is essential for consumer trust and safety. By adhering to the labelling guidelines set forth by the Hong Kong government, businesses can enhance transparency and ensure that consumers are well-informed about the products they purchase. For further assistance and expert guidance, consider partnering with SGS to ensure compliance and maintain high standards in food labelling.

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