Method Guidance Notes on Nutrition Labelling and Nutrition Claims

Centre for Food Safety Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

INTRODUCTION
The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment: Requirements for Nutrition Labelling and Nutrition Claim) Regulation 2008 (the “Amendment Regulation”) was enacted by the Legislative Council on 28 May 2008. The Amendment Regulation introduces the Nutrition Labelling Scheme (“the Scheme”) which covers two main types of nutrition information on food labels, namely nutrition labelling and nutrition claims. In order to assist the trade to adapt to the changes brought about by the Amendment Regulation, in particular on the accuracy of nutrient amounts, Centre for Food Safety

DISCLAIMER
2. The Method Guidance Notes are not part of the legislation and are intended for use only as a general reference of the Scheme. It should be read in conjunction with the legislation including but not limited to the Amendment Regulation. Information contained in the Method Guidance Notes may not be exhaustive or complete. Specific issues should be considered on a case by case basis and independent legal advice should be sought in case of doubt. The ultimate authority for interpretation of the legislation rests with the Courts.

Objective of Legislative Amendment
3. Nutrition is essential for growth, tissue repair and maintenance of good health. On the other hand, many chronic degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer are related to an imbalanced diet. These nutrition-related diseases are important public health problems in many parts of the world including Hong Kong. (“CFS”) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has prepared the Method Guidance Notes in consultation with the trade and laboratory service providers.