LABELLING

A successful launch of a correct product complying with food law is implemented in two steps, namely by checking the marketability and creating a correct label.

It is the duty of care of manufactures, respectively of the distributor to fulfill the compliance of food regulations. Certain products are in the area between two product categories and their classification is always a case-by-case analysis, i.e. they must be seen in their entirety.

The marketability of a product is defined by the material composition and the intended use. The evaluation will be developed by assessment standards based on relevant legal requirements. A marketability assessment is not binding for regulatory judgments. However, this is relevant for manufactures or distributors of foods for an argumentative discussion with the enforcement for the assessment of the marketability of the product at the level of the legally compliant interpretation of undefined legal terms (e.g. traffic view, average consumer expectation, etc.).

If you submit prepacked foods on the market for consumers you must ensure all mandatory information is visible on the packaging. This also applies to food offered on the Internet.

Food packaging must contain information about ingredients, product name, manufacturer, allergens, best before or expiry date, etc. You are free to provide additional information in addition to the legal requirements, such as health claims, but these must not be misleading. The Swiss legal requirements for labelling can be found in regulation on food information (LIV).