Why food regulations are essential in the agri-food sector
In the agri-food sector, labelling is not a simple marketing tool: it constitutes a legal obligation guaranteeing consumer information and protection.
The European regulatory framework imposes strict rules regarding:
- transparency of information
- product traceability
- health safety
- legibility of mandatory information
These obligations directly impact choices in terms of packaging machinery, label materials and line organisation.
The INCO Regulation: cornerstone of food labelling
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, known as the INCO Regulation (Information for Consumers), harmonises labelling rules within the European Union.
Since:
- 2014: mandatory information must appear on packaging
- 2016: the nutritional declaration is mandatory
This regulation requires clear, visible and indelible information on all prepacked foodstuffs.
Mandatory information on food products
Any prepacked foodstuff must include:
- The name of the product
- The list of ingredients
- Allergens (highlighted)
- The net quantity
- The use-by date (DLC) or best-before date
- Storage conditions
- The name and address of the operator
- The country of origin (if applicable)
- Instructions for use (if necessary)
- Alcoholic strength (>1.2%)
- The nutritional declaration
Also consult our article dedicated to legislation for distilleries, wine estates and breweries.
Choosing the right labelling material for the agri-food sector
The choice of material, printing and adhesive is decisive in the agri-food sector: it guarantees legibility and durability of regulatory information throughout the life of the product.
For example:
- Non-homogeneous surfaces (bottles) require suitable materials and specific adhesives
- Wet or greasy products require resistant label materials
- For freezing, highly adhesive and robust labels are recommended
Suitable equipment to guarantee regulatory compliance
Compliance does not depend solely on the content of the label: it also relies on the reliability of packaging equipment.
At CDA, we design complete solutions adapted to agri-food constraints, notably a complete range of labelling machines adapted to the regulatory requirements of the agri-food sector:
- Semi-automatic labelling machines: Ninette 2, labelling machine for adhesive labels; Ninette à Plat, semi-automatic labeller for adhesive labels on flat and square products; and finally our Ninette Auto, labelling machine adapted for the application of 2 labels on cylindrical formats
- Automatic labelling machines: our Solo range and our Ninon range
These solutions ensure compliant, efficient and professional labelling, whatever your level of production.
CDA offers an extensive range of automatic and semi-automatic labelling machines. Our labellers comply with the strict legal and hygienic constraints of the agri-food sector and can be equipped with various options to perfectly match the specific needs of each customer.
Our monobloc systems: integrated filling, capping and labelling
For producers wishing to optimise space and productivity, CDA also develops packaging monobloc systems, solutions which combine in a single machine:
For structures with higher output, we design complete packaging lines. These lines ensure:
- Regulatory compliance
- Optimised traceability
- Industrial productivity
- Adaptation to evolving volumes
CDA supports you in choosing the right labelling machine in the agri-food sector
Compliance with regulatory obligations requires lasting legibility. Our experts support you in choosing your label material, suitable for your packaging solution.
Our personalised packaging machine proposals take into account:
- Greasy products
- Irregular surfaces
A poor choice of material may compromise regulatory compliance.
Contact our experts today and discover one of our personalised packaging solutions!
FAQ: Agri-food legislation and packaging
-
What is the INCO Regulation?
It is European Regulation No 1169/2011 which governs the mandatory information that must appear on food products. -
Is the nutritional declaration mandatory?
Yes, it has been mandatory since 2016 for prepacked products. -
Must allergens be indicated?
Yes, they must be clearly highlighted in the list of ingredients. -
Do packaging machines influence compliance?
Yes. A poorly adjusted or unsuitable machine may lead to dosing, traceability or labelling errors, compromising regulatory compliance. -
Should you choose a complete line or a monobloc?
It all depends on your volumes, space and industrial strategy. Monobloc systems are suitable for structures seeking compactness and simplicity, whereas complete lines are adapted to higher production rates.
