|
Typical Analysis
The percentage of the following must be listed:
• % of proteins
• % of oils & fats
• % of fibre in the product
• % of moisture in the product when it exceeds14%
• % of ash in the product (ash represents the mineral content of the food and is determined chemically by the burning of the product).
Ingredients List
The ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. They can be indicated using category names, which are laid down by the Regulations, such as 'meat and animal derivatives', 'cereals', 'derivatives of vegetable origin'. Alternatively ingredients can be listed by their own individual names*. When an ingredient is used that does not fall into any of the prescribed categories, its individual name must be listed. In all other circumstances, mixing individual names and category names in the ingredients list is not permitted. If particular attention is drawn to a specific ingredient (eg With Chicken), the percentage of that ingredient component must also be listed.
Small Animal Feed Labelling
Ingredients may be declared in the Statutory Statement. In such cases, all the ingredients shall be declared either by their specific names, with an indication of the amount of each ingredient, or by using category names which are laid down by the Regulations, or by individual ingredient names listed in descending order by date.
Additives
If preservatives, antioxidants or colourants have been added to the product their presence has to be declared using category or chemical names, in accordance with the Feeding Stuffs Regulations. If a pet owner has any queries regarding additives, they should contact the individual manufacturer responsible, quoting the batch number.
Vitamins
If Vitamins A D & E are added to the product, their presence and level has to be declared. The level must include both the quantity naturally present in the raw materials and the quantity added. The Regulations also lay down the units which must be used to declare the level.
'Best Before' Date
This date indicates the minimum storage life of the product. The month and year must be shown.
Bar Code
This is not a legal requirement but allows for information about sales, stocks, etc.
Batch Number
A batch number or the date of manufacture must be given to facilitate traceability of the product. This may be given either in the statutory statement or elsewhere on the package/label/container, in which case the statutory statement shall indicate where it can be found.
Net Weight
The Net Weight must be given in accordance with the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2002. The Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 1986 lays down the exact marking and size of lettering required. The net weight may be given either in the Statutory Statement or elsewhere on the packaging/label, in which case the Statutory Statement should indicate where it may be found.
Name and Address
This is the name and address of the company responsible for the products. It may be a manufacturer, packer, importer, seller or distributor.
A guide to pet food labels for pet owners - click here
|
