EU Regulation 1169/2011, explained for restaurants

The EU food information regulation, one provision at a time, with what each one means for a restaurant serving non-prepacked food.

• Annex II: the 14 allergens and their exemptionsThe legal allergen list in full, including the exemptions kitchens misread.
• Article 44: allergen rules for restaurants and loose foodThe article that makes allergen information mandatory for restaurant food.
• Article 9: the mandatory food particularsThe twelve items every EU food label must carry, and which apply to restaurants.
• Article 8: who is responsible for allergen informationWhy your supplier's spec sheet does not move the responsibility off you.
• Article 21: how allergens must be labelledBold in the ingredients list, 'contains' statements and 'may contain' warnings.
• Article 7: misleading menus, descriptions and photosDish names, descriptions and photos must not mislead the guest.
• Article 14: allergens for delivery and online ordersWhat guests must see before they order online or by phone.
• Article 15: language rules for food informationWhich language allergen information must be in, and how to serve tourists.
• Article 36: 'may contain' warnings and voluntary claimsHow 'may contain', vegan and gluten-free claims must be used.
• Scope and key definitions of EU 1169/2011Who is covered, and what 'prepacked' and 'mass caterer' mean.
• Article 13: font size and legibilityThe 1.2 mm x-height rule and other presentation rules.
• Article 17: the name of the foodLegal, customary and descriptive names, and Annex VI rules.
• Articles 18-20: the ingredients listOrder of weight, compound ingredients, additives and omissions.
• Article 22: QUID ingredient percentagesWhen labels must show how much of an ingredient is used.
• Use by vs best before datesWhat each date means and how kitchens should handle them.
• Article 26: country of origin labellingWhen origin is mandatory, meat rules and the primary ingredient rule.
• Articles 30-35: the nutrition declarationThe mandatory 'big 7', per 100 g rules and restaurant exemptions.
• Natasha's Law and PPDS labellingUK full-ingredient labelling for food packed on the premises.
• What allergen inspectors checkRecords, signposting, staff knowledge and supplier controls.
• EU 1169/2011 allergen rules for Malta restaurantsThe six provisions a Maltese operator lives with.