Food labelling is currently regulated in Spain by Royal Decree 1334/1999, 31 July, approving the general rule on labelling, presenting and publicising food products, and which incorporates Community provisions on the matter. The rule applies to labels on food products both for end consumers and restaurants, hospitals, canteens and other similar collectives.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FOOD LABELLING

Labelling must never deceive consumers:

1. On the characteristics of the food product and, especially, on the nature, identity, qualities, composition, quantity, duration, origin, provenance and method of production or obtainment.
2. By attributing effects of properties which the food does not possess.
3. By suggesting that the food possess special characteristics, when all similar products possess the same characteristics.
4. By attributing preventive, therapeutic or curative properties for a human disease to a food product, or by mentioning such properties, regardless of the provisions applying to natural mineral water and food products for special nutritional use.

These prohibitions apply equally to the presentation of food products and publicity.

COMPULSORY INFORMATION ON THE LABEL

Except in cases of exception included in the legislation, compulsory information that must appear on food labels is the following:

1. The name under which it is sold.
2. The list of ingredients.
3. The quantity of certain ingredients or category of ingredients.
4. The degree of alcohol in drinks with a degree by volume higher than 1.2%.
5. The net amount, in packaged products.
6. The minimum shelf life or sell-by date.
7. Special conditions for preserving and use.
8. How to prepare, if the instruction is required to use the food properly.
9. Company identification: name, business address or denomination of the manufacturer or packer or a seller established within the European Union and, in all cases, address.

1. The batch number.
2. The place of origin or provenance, when the product comes from third countries, or, if coming from an EU country, not stating this may deceive the consumer.
3. Those especially placed in various categories o types of food products (shown in annex V of Royal Decree 1334/1999).

It is recommended to consult chapter IV to obtain further information on requirements to make compulsory declarations.