EU nutrition label rules (Regulation 1169/2011) – a practical guide
Short answer: An EU nutrition label must show energy in kJ and kcal, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt, in that order and per 100 g or 100 ml (Article 30, Regulation 1169/2011). Values may be calculated from the recipe. Per-portion values and %RI are optional, but if %RI is shown the reference-intake statement is mandatory.
By the Free Nutrition Label team · Last reviewed: · Not legal advice.
The mandatory "big 7"
Article 30(1) requires: energy (kJ and kcal), fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt. You may add monounsaturates, polyunsaturates, polyols, starch, fibre, and vitamins or minerals present in significant amounts (Annex XIII part A).
Format: Annex XV
The declaration is shown as a table in the order of Annex XV, in a clear format and, where space allows, with numbers aligned. If space is short it may be linear. Values are always given per 100 g or per 100 ml; per portion values are optional additional information (Article 33), provided the portion size and the number of portions are stated.
Reference intakes (%RI)
Annex XIII part B sets reference intakes for an average adult: energy 8 400 kJ/2 000 kcal, fat 70 g, saturates 20 g, carbohydrate 260 g, sugars 90 g, protein 50 g, salt 6 g. If you show %RI you must add the statement "Reference intake of an average adult (8 400 kJ/2 000 kcal)".
Salt, not sodium
The EU declares salt, calculated as sodium × 2.5 (Annex I). If the salt content comes only from naturally occurring sodium, you may add a statement saying so.
Font size and placement
Mandatory information must be printed with an x-height of at least 1.2 mm (0.9 mm if the largest surface is under 80 cm²), per Article 13 and Annex IV.
Tolerances
The European Commission's 2012 guidance on tolerances explains how far declared values may differ from analysed values and how to round – see our rounding guide.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (EUR-Lex)
- European Commission – Nutrition labelling
- European Commission – Guidance on tolerances for nutrient values (2012, PDF)
FAQ
Which nutrients are mandatory in the EU?
Energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt (Article 30(1)), in that order and per 100 g or 100 ml.
Can I calculate the values instead of a lab test?
Yes. Article 31(4) allows values based on the manufacturer's analysis, a calculation from known or actual average values of the ingredients, or generally established and accepted data.
How is energy calculated?
With the Annex XIV conversion factors: carbohydrate 17 kJ/4 kcal per g, protein 17 kJ/4 kcal, fat 37 kJ/9 kcal, fibre 8 kJ/2 kcal, alcohol 29 kJ/7 kcal, polyols 10 kJ/2.4 kcal, organic acids 13 kJ/3 kcal.