04/10/2011 (Scotland Food and Drink [press release]) - The European Council of Ministers has now formally agreed the EU Regulation for provision of food information to consumers.

This regulation brings together general food labelling and nutrition requirements into one European-wide piece of legislation.

The main points are:

• Country of origin – subject to further discussion, the introduction of mandatory origin information for most fresh and frozen meat. It will be possible for 'Scotland' to be used on food labels without also mentioning UK under new provenance rules. Also, the origin of main ingredients will have to be given if different from where the final product is made.

• Nutrition labelling will be required for most foods. Simplified information may be provided voluntarily on front of pack.

• Labelling clarity – a minimum font size has been set for all mandatory information on labels.

• Allergen information will have to be provided on all food (whether sold prepacked or loose). All allergens will have to be highlighted on the ingredient list.Drinks with high caffeine content will have to be additionally labelled as not recommended for children or pregnant and breastfeeding women, with the actual caffeine content quoted.

• Meat and fish products that look like a cut, joint or slice and contain more than 5% added water will have to show this in the name of the food.

• The types of vegetable oil used in food, such as palm oil, must be stated.

The EU has also agreed:

To make it easier for alcohol companies to voluntarily include calorie information.

• To enable voluntary provision of calorie information in out-of-home settings.

• To continue to permit selling by numbers – such as a dozen bread rolls or eggs.

Welcoming the decision, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said: "The Scottish Government has pushed for mandatory origin labelling and I welcome the decision in Europe to strengthen its position for meat and dairy.

"The final agreement on this European regulation is good news for those who want clear information about the food and drink they buy.

"Scotland has a world-class reputation as a land of food and drink. Consumers associate Scottish produce with outstanding quality and taste, and being increasingly aware of what is available through mandatory origin labelling will bring benefits to them."

Charles Milne, director of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland, said: "The FSA welcomes the new Regulation, which will improve information for consumers about the food they buy."

The rules also pave the way for compulsory country of origin labelling of meat products such as sausages and meat pies, as well as a range of other products including cheese. The EU has agreed to consider these within three years.

Alcoholic companies did not include calorie information on products before the regulation because it triggered a requirement for a full nutrition declaration.

The new rules will encourage companies to provide calorie information on alcoholic drinks and this will help consumers to have a better understanding of the total calories they consume.