September 19, 2025

Why It Matters

The European Union (EU) is one big market with 27 countries. For food and food supplement companies, having the right labeling is not just a rule—it is the key to doing business.

Good labeling helps:

  • Keep consumers safe
  • Reduce regulatory problems
  • Make it easier to sell across borders

However, even with EU rules, each country can still have differences. This makes it harder for brands to use one label for all markets.

The Main EU Rules

Food and food supplement labels is based on three big EU regulations:

  • Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (INCO Regulation): Covers basic food info like allergens, nutrition facts, and origin.
  • Directive 2002/46/EC: Rules for food supplements—what vitamins/minerals are allowed and how they appear on labels.
  • Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006: Controls nutrition and health claims—only proven, non-misleading claims are allowed.

What Must Be on EU Supplement Labels?

Every food and supplement label must include:

  • Product name (and “food supplement” if it is one)
  • Full ingredient list with allergens marked
  • Net weight or volume
  • Expiry date (“use by” or “best before”)
  • Storage and use instructions
  • Name and address of the Food Business Operator (FBO) in the EU
  • Recommended daily intake + safety warnings
  • Statement that supplements don’t replace a balanced diet
  • “Keep out of reach of children” warning
  • Nutrition facts (for foods) or nutrient content per dose (for supplements)
  • Country of origin (if required)
  • Language of the country where it is sold

The Ongoing Challenges

Even with EU rules, companies face problems like:

  • Different National Rules: Some countries add their own rules for botanicals, vitamins, or extra warnings.
  • Language: Labels must be in the language(s) of each country.
  • Front-of-Pack Labels (FOP): Countries use different systems like Nutri-Score, NutrInform Battery, or Keyhole, which can confuse consumers.
  • Different Levels of Enforcement: Some countries are strict, others less so—creating uneven compliance.

What’s Changing in the EU

The EU is working on updates to make labeling clearer and more consistent:

  • More Transparency: Stricter rules for product details, origin, and safety info.
  • EU-Wide Limits for Supplements: Plans for maximum levels of vitamins and minerals across all countries.
  • One Front-of-Pack Label: A single, EU-wide nutrition label is being discussed.

Risks of Non-Compliance

If your product labels do not meet EU or local rules, you could face:

  • Products Pulled Off Shelves
  • Fines and Penalties for wrong or missing info
  • Customs Blocks at borders
  • Product Recalls if safety is at risk
  • Loss of Reputation with consumers and retailers
  • Legal Issues if labeling errors harm consumers

How Maven Regulatory Solutions Helps

At Maven Regulatory Solutions, we make EU food and supplement labeling easy. We help companies stay compliant, save time, and avoid costly mistakes.

Our services include:

  • Label Compliance Checks – Review against INCO, 2002/46/EC, and local rules
  • Multi-Language Support – Ensure labels meet language needs of each country
  • Label & Artwork Tools – Manage and approve designs across markets
  • Regulatory Updates – Stay informed on EU food and supplement rules
  • Expert Advice – Help with nutrition claims, FOP labels, and ingredient limits
  • Risk Prevention – Avoid fines, recalls, and reputation damage

With Maven, you can sell confidently across the EU and protect your brand.

Conclusion

Food and supplement labeling in the EU is not just about following rules. It’s about building trust, protecting consumers, and making your brand stronger.

By working with Maven Regulatory Solutions, you can simplify compliance, reduce risks, and grow in the EU market.