"Opinions sometimes differ about the exact meaning of a label check. At Eurofins, we understand a label check to mean a check of the food information stated on the packaging of pre-packaged foodstuffs. In other cases, it is sometimes referred to as a comparison of label and content. However, we do not mean product analysis, we are concerned solely with the display of the information on the packaging.

The label check is the result of food law. In 2014, a new European regulation regulation will enter into force concerning the mandatory way in which information must be displayed on a label, the form of that information and its content. We therefore check that the information on the label is complete, correct, in the correct order and with the correct formulations. In addition to the aforementioned European regulation , there are a number of Dutch additions to it. For example, we are familiar with the Dairy Decree: when can you call something a yoghurt?

The importance of a label check is great if you want to market a product in the Netherlands (or in another country). There is a clear need for label checks, because it often doesn't work out by itself. Manufacturers can make mistakes or forget things. But also the descriptions in the law are not always easy to interpret. A consultancy firm can support you in this.

A label check is important for every party that puts a product on the market. This can be a producer himself, but also a retailer who puts a product on the market under a private label. When the name of the retailer is on the packaging, the retailer is responsible for the product and the label.

All products in the foodstuffs are eligible for a label check. But also, in particular, dietary products, food supplements and baby food, products to which additional legislation applies.

Working method

It is also possible to give the organization (such as Eurofins, but there are others) the specifications of the product with the request to draw up a correct label. Another possibility is when foreign products enter the Dutch market and a 'translation' of the label has to be made, in Dutch, but also with any extra specifications for the Dutch market. The other way around is also possible. In cooperation with offices abroad, exactly the right formulations and labels can be drawn up and/or checked for each country.

Although the regulation is an EU law, other countries can also add their own requirements (such as the Dairy Decree in the Netherlands). The foreign offices are best informed about the current legislation per country. Each country is best informed about the current legislation of their own country.

All parts of the label are covered by the check, including the declaration of ingredients, the allergens, the nutritional values. It also looks at whether certain ingredients need to be discarded, for example the percentage of almonds when marzipan is used in a product.

A label check can take place at an early stage, as soon as the manufacturer has determined its ingredients. Often the label check is late, because it then becomes clear whether a batch code is printed correctly and whether a tht is indelible, or whether the artwork has been set up correctly. Usually this is done at the stage of the proof of the packaging.

If an error occurs when the packaging has already been printed, we can inform the client accordingly. However, a minor spelling error may be advised to adjust the text at the next print run.

Necessary evil or quality assurance?

Producers and retailers can sometimes see it as a necessary evil, but in order to prevent a butcher from inspecting his own meat, a label check by an independent organization can be a good choice. When a producer works for a retail brand, he wants to be sure of his business. The retailer can also simply demand an independent label check.

A label check is a check, it gives certainty. A label check costs money, but always much less than a recall or the reprinting of a packaging. The result of the check is a report with advice. It is up to the client whether or not to follow this advice.

A new product usually goes on the market with a deadline. A label check while the product is already ready may seem difficult, but in such cases a check can be ready in about two days. The label check is an extra check to see if a product can be marketed. In that sense, it is part of quality assurance.

In addition to complete label checks, organizations such as Eurofins are also available for individual advice and questions about label issues.