"We ensure that food standards are complied with so shoppers
can be confident in the food that they buy"
What are food standards?
Food Standards laws are complex and numerous.
They exist to control the composition, quality, labelling,
advertising and presentation of food.
Trading Standards, as a local food authority, is required by the
Food Safety Act 1990 to make sure that businesses comply with the
law in relation to:
- The labelling and advertising of food
- The composition of food
- The nature, substance and quality of food
- False and misleading claims about food
The food standards checks that we make ensure
that the information provided on a food label is accurate and
truthful.
For example, we verify claims such as 'local', 'homemade', 'fresh',
'natural', 'organic' and 'free-range'. We check the
nutritional information, such as salt, sugar and fat levels. We
check that what is in the food is as it is declared on the label,
and within minimum legal
requirements.