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General Standard for Nutrition Labelling (CODEX STAN 1-1985, Rev 2021).

Codex Alimentarius

2021

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Summary

CODEX STAN 1-1985 (Rev. 2021) is the Codex Alimentarius Commission's overarching international standard governing nutrition labelling on pre-packaged foods. It establishes harmonised definitions, mandatory and voluntary labelling components, and nutrient reference values intended to guide consumers and underpin national regulatory frameworks. As a globally adopted standard, it serves as the baseline for nutrition labelling legislation across member states and trading blocs.

UK applicability

Following EU exit, UK nutrition labelling is governed domestically by retained legislation largely derived from EU Regulation 1169/2011, which itself drew heavily on Codex principles; this standard therefore provides relevant international context for UK labelling policy, particularly in the context of trade negotiations and potential regulatory divergence.

Key measures

Mandatory nutrient declarations (energy, fat, protein, carbohydrate); voluntary micronutrient labelling; reference daily intake values; serving size definitions

Outcomes reported

The standard sets out mandatory and voluntary nutrition labelling requirements for pre-packaged foods, including definitions, nutrient declaration formats, and reference values for daily intake.

Theme
Policy, governance & rights
Subject
Food labelling & regulatory standards
Study type
Guideline
Study design
Policy report
Source type
Industry/policy report
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Food supply chain
Catalogue ID
XL0257

Topic tags

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