Nutrition Legislation

The landscape of nutrition legislation in the United Kingdom has undergone significant changes since Brexit, requiring businesses to adapt to new domestic regulations. Previously governed by European Union laws, the UK's nutrition legislation now operates under frameworks established by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. This legislation retained EU regulations but allowed the UK to amend them as necessary to suit the national context. Key responsibilities for enforcing and updating these regulations have shifted to UK-specific bodies such as the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Food Standards Scotland, and the Welsh Government.

UK nutrition legislation now encompasses various areas, including nutrition labelling, food supplements, fortified foods, nutrition and health claims, and foods intended for specific groups, such as infants or individuals with medical conditions.

What is a Food Supplement?

A food supplement is defined as a concentrated source of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. These are typically marketed in dose form, such as pills, tablets, capsules, or liquids. Food supplements are intended to supplement the normal diet and can include a wide range of ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, fibre, and various plants and herbal extracts. For further details on food supplements, businesses can refer to the Food Standards Agency guidance.

Nutrition Labelling

Nutrition labelling in the UK is governed by retained Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, which dictates the requirements for providing food information to consumers. This regulation covers both mandatory back-of-pack nutrition labelling and voluntary front-of-pack information. There are exemptions for certain products, such as food supplements and natural mineral waters. Additionally, distinct regulations apply to non-prepacked foods and alcoholic beverages, specifying how nutrition information should be provided.

Food Supplements

While food supplements in the UK do not require registration or licensing, they must adhere to the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 and other relevant laws. The UK also follows voluntary guideline safe upper levels for vitamins and minerals, although specific ingredients, such as Kava-kava and tryptophan, are subject to particular restrictions.

Fortified Foods

Fortified foods, which involve both mandatory and voluntary fortification, are regulated under retained Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. Businesses are responsible for ensuring that their fortified foods comply with the relevant regulations, but there is no requirement for registration or licensing of these products.

Implications for Businesses

Businesses operating in the food sector must navigate these regulations carefully to ensure full compliance. It is advisable for companies to consult local Trading Standards or Environmental Health offices and review the relevant government guidance documents to remain informed about their legal obligations.

These regulations represent a complex yet crucial area for businesses involved in the production and sale of food products in the UK. Staying compliant not only ensures legal adherence but also promotes consumer confidence in the safety and quality of their products. For more detailed information, businesses can refer to the official government information sheet on nutrition legislation