In 1996, the Food Labelling Regulation, was introduced to ensure that food was to be marked or labelled with certain requirements to help consumers.

The regulation covered topics such as the name of the food,
a list of the ingredients contained within, the amount of an ingredient which is named or associated with the food, an appropriate durability indication,
any special storage conditions, the name of business and manufacturer and in certain cases the place of origin, the process used in manufacture of the product and instructions for use.

Food labelling and the regulation of such, is designed to deter and prevent food from being falsely described, advertised or presented. To do so is an offence and there are different laws in place to protect consumers from purchasing foods which may have been labelled dishonestly and/or misdescribed.

Food labelling is designed so that consumers can confidently make the choice and comparisons between similar food products, whether they are buying food for dietary, health or monetary reasons. The consumer deserves to know that the information provided on the food labelling is correct.