Global food regulation

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requires declaration of 14 allergens and nutrition labelling for pre-packed foods. The EU Hygiene Package (852/2004) makes HACCP mandatory throughout the food chain.

Switzerland applies the Federal Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Act (LDAI) and its ordinance (ODAI). Allergen information must be clear, visible and correct. The revised FADP strengthens health data protection.

The United States recognises 9 major allergens since the FASTER Act of 2021 (sesame added). FSMA mandates preventive controls and traceability. The FDA Food Code is the reference for foodservice inspections.

Mexico modernised labelling through NOM-051, with nutritional warnings for sugars, sodium and saturated fats. Allergens must be clearly declared on pre-packaged foods.

The UAE applies Federal Law No. 10/2015 and GSO standards harmonised at GCC level. Labelling must be in Arabic; halal and allergens are strongly regulated.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) applies the Food Law and GSO standards. Halal is mandatory, as is Arabic labelling for most products.

Singapore applies the Sale of Food Act and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) guidelines. Allergens must be declared and nutrition warnings are tightening.

Thailand regulates food labelling through the Food Act B.E. 2522 and Thai FDA notifications. Allergens, ingredient lists and nutrition claims are receiving increasing attention.

Malaysia applies the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985, complemented by JAKIM halal requirements. Labelling must be in Malay and/or English.

The Philippines' Food Safety Act (RA 10611) and FDA Philippines require food allergen information among the mandatory label elements — 8 recognised allergens (milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybean), one fewer than the FDA's pre-sesame US list. Quezon City, the country's most populous city, has gone further than national law with its own calorie-labeling and single-use-plastics ordinances — a pattern other Metro Manila cities are watching closely.

Australia and New Zealand share the Food Standards Code managed by FSANZ. Declaration of allergens (10 priorities) is mandatory, including on foodservice menus.

France transposes Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and has added national obligations such as the AGEC law (anti-waste) and justified "may contain" claims.

Germany applies Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and the Food Hygiene Ordinance (LMHV) for implementing HACCP principles.

Austria transposes EU food law via the Allergen Information Ordinance. Oral information must be documented.

Italy transposes EU law and added the anti-waste law (Legge 19 agosto 2016 n. 166).

Spain transposes EU law via Ley 7/2022 de residuos, adding waste reduction obligations.

The Netherlands applies EU law via the Warenwet, supervised by the NVWA.

Belgium applies EU law via AFSCA/FAVV. Allergen information is usually bilingual (FR/NL).

The United Kingdom retained the Food Information Regulations 2014 and added Natasha’s Law for foods pre-packed for direct sale.

Norway applies EEA food law via the Matloven, supervised by the Mattilsynet.

Sweden applies EEA food law via the Livsmedelslag, supervised by Livsmedelsverket.

Denmark applies EEA food law via the Fødevareloven, supervised by the Fødevarestyrelsen.

Finland applies EEA food law via the Elintarvikelaki, supervised by Ruokavirasto.

Poland transposes EU law via the food and nutrition safety act, supervised by GIJHARS.

Canada requires bilingual labelling (EN/FR) and declaration of priority allergens including mustard, sesame and sulphites, overseen by CFIA.

Brazil regulates allergens via ANVISA (RDC 340/2002 and updates). Natural latex is also flagged as a sensitive substance.

Argentina applies the Código Alimentario Argentino and ANMAT resolutions for labelling and food safety.

New Zealand shares the Australian Food Standards Code, applied by MPI.

Japan mandates declaration of 7 specific allergens and recommends declaration of 20 additional allergens. The CAA oversees labelling rules.

South Korea mandates a dedicated allergen section via MFDS Food Labeling Standards, including buckwheat, pork, beef and chicken.

China mandates allergen labelling via the Food Safety Law and GB 7718 standard. Particulars must be in Chinese.

India regulates allergens and labelling via FSSAI, created by the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

South Africa applies R638 for food premises hygiene and the Consumer Protection Act for labelling.