Food Labeling in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Labels
Food Labeling in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide
General Labeling Requirements
Food labels in Spain must be clear, conspicuous, and written in Spanish or the official language of the community. If the product is imported, the label must be translated. The information on the label must be accurate and should not make false claims.
Product Designation
The term “designation” is reserved for products that meet specific requirements. If a product does not have a specific name, the label must include a description.
Commercial Grade
The commercial grade classifies the product based on the quality of its ingredients and the final result.
Preparation Instructions
If a product requires special preparation, the label must include instructions.
Net Weight
The label must include the net weight expressed as weight or volume. This requirement does not apply to products purchased in bulk or those weighing less than 5 grams.
List of Ingredients
The list of ingredients must be displayed in descending order by weight. If a product has two components, and one accounts for 25% of the total weight, the list of ingredients must be displayed. The list should always include information about potential allergens.
Ingredient Information
The ingredients must be indicated by their specific name, except for oils (indicated by their origin), additives (listed under their code), and flavorings (listed as flavorings).
Sweeteners and Phenylalanine
The label must indicate if the product is sweetened or unsweetened and if it contains phenylalanine (a potential allergen).
Alcohol Content
If a product contains more than 1.2% alcohol, it must be indicated.
Expiration Date
If the product is very perishable, the expiration date must be indicated.
Minimum Shelf Life
- Less than 3 months: Best before date and month
- Between 3 and 18 months: Best before end month and year
- More than 18 months: Best before year alone
Frozen products must show multiple dates based on stars from the freezer.
Unreasonable Deadlines
The law does not set specific deadlines for each type of food and their conservation status. Manufacturers should not set unreasonable deadlines that affect food security or texture.
Products Requiring Expiration Dates
Fruits and vegetables, vinegars, wine, salt, sugar, and bakery products must carry an expiration date.
Expiration Date Manipulation
It is forbidden to change the expiration date, but it is sometimes manipulated.
Protective Atmosphere
If the product is packaged in a protective atmosphere, modified, or treated with ionizing radiation, the label must indicate this.
Company Information
The label must include the address of the company, the health registry, the lot number, and the country of origin.
Special Labels
Health Claims
Health claims are not mandatory.
Barcode
A barcode is not mandatory.
ISO9000 Certification
ISO9000 certification indicates that the product is a standardized system.
Organic Food
The label must indicate if the food is organic and if it appears that the farm follows conversion of the product that comes from switching to organic farming.
Irradiated Food
Food irradiated with X or gamma rays is used to sterilize products and make them last longer. This does not mean the food is radioactive and is considered harmless by both the WHO and the OAA. Irradiation is regulated by a code, and the EC only allows the marketing of irradiated spices.
Genetically Modified Food
The EC only allows two corn and soybeans genetically modified foods planted by the multinational Monsanto and the products SYGENTA. If the amount of genetically modified food is more than 1%, it must be included on the label.
Gluten-Free
A cross pin symbol, controlled by the Association of Celiac (FACE), indicates that the product is gluten-free. This symbol also indicates that the product is made in a particular place, following traditional methods.
Recyclable Packaging
A symbol accompanied by a letter and number indicates that the packaging material is recyclable.
Eco-Packaging
The label must indicate that the packaging containers are made of materials that do not pose health risks while maintaining the organoleptic properties. In Spain, there are specific rules for plastic packaging.
Nutritional Labeling
Nutritional labeling is only mandatory for products rich in calcium, fiber, vitamins, baby products, and specialty foods.
Nutritional Information
When nutritional information is provided, it must include:
- Energy, fat, carbohydrates, and proteins
- Type of sugars, fats, fiber, and sodium
Daily Minimum Nutritional Requirements
ENERGY: 3000 kilocalories or calories for men and 2500 for women.
Of these calories, 55% should come from carbohydrates, 30% from fat, and 15% from protein.
Protein
50 g of protein provides 4 Kcal daily. More protein is needed if it is of vegetable origin, as it is of lesser biological importance.
Carbohydrates
300 g of carbohydrates provide 4 kcal. Both simple and complex sugars are important, with complex sugars being the most recommended.
Fat
100 g of fat provides 9 Kcal per gram. There are three types of fatty acids: saturated (animal fats), monounsaturated (olive oil), and polyunsaturated (sunflower seeds, corn). It is important to consume all three types.
Fiber
30 g of fiber is recommended daily.
Vitamins
The labels should indicate the amount of vitamins in the product and the recommended amount per day.
Minerals
- Sodium: 3 g of salt
- Iron: 10 to 18 mg/day, but in women of childbearing age
- Calcium: 800 mg daily
- Phosphorus: 1.5 g daily
- Iodine: daily