The UK government has announced a delay in the labelling changes for food products that were due to come into force on 1st October 2022. These have now been postponed to 1st January 2024, giving food producers another 15 months to adapt labels.

Defra has said this was 'in line with protecting consumers from unnecessary costs'. It would also allow food business operators to continue to deplete existing stocks of labels, wrapping and packaging until the new rules come into force.

Summary of the labelling changes:

• Food Business Operator Address (FBO)
• Companies can continue to use an EU, GB or NI FBO address on pre-packaged food or caseins until 31st December 2023
• Labelling terms referring to 'EU' for specific products
• Affects these products primarily: beef/veal, minced meat, honey blends, olive oil, fruit and veg, eggs, wine
• UK/EC Health and Identification marks can be used until 31st December 2023

The government is set to publish more detailed guidance relating to these import controls in the coming weeks.

A copy of the note from DEFRA is here:

If you need any help in making changes to your labels so you're ready for the deadline, get in touch today.