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Food Product Labelling

Food Product Labels of Nuts and Seeds

A thorough food label review is vital for your business. It ensures compliance with regulatory standards, safeguarding you from potential legal issues while enhancing consumer safety and transparency. By providing clear information about ingredients and allergens, you build trust with your customers. Additionally, effective labeling strengthens your marketing efforts, maintains product quality, and facilitates successful global trade. Invest in a food label review with TEL Expert Solutions to promote safe, informed consumption and protect your brand's reputation.

WHY FOOD LABELS MATTER?

Food labels are mandatory and a vital source of information for everyone, from fitness enthusiasts to health-conscious eaters and the general public. These labels help to guide informed decisions and help products stand out amongst the crowded supermarket shelves. Additionally, a well-designed label delivers vital information that equip consumer to make healthier choices.

While labelling may seem simple, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance can be challenging. Providing clear, reliable information that meets industry standards and addresses consumer needs goes beyond just listing details.

A clear label builds trust, promotes transparency, highlights the health benefits of your product, and allows consumer to make informed choices.

WHAT’S ON A FOOD AND BEVERAGE LABEL?

Infographic on Food Labelling

All packaged food and beverage products must carry labels that comply with the regulations of the country or region in which they are sold. These labels must include specific information as mandated by local authorities to ensure transparency, safety and informed consumer choices.

Below are common elements typically required on product labels:

  1. Name of Product
    Identifies the product so consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.

  2. Ingredients Listing
    Lists all ingredients in descending order by weight, allowing consumers to assess the product's suitability for their dietary needs or preferences.

  3. Allergen Declaration
    Discloses any potential allergens in the product to help consumers avoid ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions.

  4. Details of Responsible Entity
    Includes the name and contact details of the manufacturer, importer or distributor - at least one of which should be a local addressee - to ensure accountability and product traceability.

  5. Country of Origin
    Specifies where the product was manufactured, processed, or packed to provide transparency about its source.

  6. Net Quantity
    Indicates the actual weight or volume of the product (excluding packaging), giving consumers a clear measure of what they’re buying.

  7. Use By / Best Before Date
    Specifies the product’s peak freshness or expiration date to ensure freshness, safety and to help prevent consumption of expired goods.

  8. Nutrition Label
    Provides detailed nutritional information - such as energy, fats, sugars and vitamins - to help consumers make informed dietary decisions.

  9. Front-of-Pack Label
    Presents key nutrition information in a standardised and easy-to-understand format, making it easier for consumers to choose healthier options quickly.

Labelling requirements may also apply to products sold through digital channels. Whether sold in physical stores or online platforms, consumers are entitled to the same level of clarity and transparency in product information.

IS NUTRITION LABEL MANDATORY?

Nutrition Facts Labels

Nutrition Information Panel (NIP), also known as Nutrition Facts label or Nutrition Declaration, is a standardised listing of a food’s key nutrient content. It helps consumers understand the nutritional value of a product, supporting informed dietary choices and easier comparison between products.

The requirement for nutrition labelling varies significantly across countries, reflecting differences in regulatory priorities, consumer awareness and public health strategies. In many parts of the world, nutrition labelling is mandatory for pre-packaged foods, with standardised information on energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein and other key nutrients. These labels are designed to help consumers make informed choices and to support broader public health goals, such as reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases.

However, this approach is not universal. In some regulatory systems, nutrition labelling is only required when a food product makes a nutrition or health claim, such as being "low in fat or "a source of calcium". Importantly, such claims are generally expected to be substantiated with supporting evidence, often through laboratory testing or scientific analysis. Exemptions may also apply to certain food categories, like fresh produce or minimally processed items. As a result, while nutrition labels have become increasingly common and expected by consumers, their presence is not guaranteed on all products. The global landscape remains a patchwork of different practices, balancing transparency with practical considerations such as industry capacity and product type.

Food Product Labelling in Singapore: What Every Food and Beverage Business Should Know

Food labelling in Singapore is governed by a strict and evolving framework that all food businesses must follow. It is regulated by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and supported by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), which oversees nutrition labelling and promotes healthier consumer choices through initiatives like the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and the Nutri-Grade Mark. Together, these frameworks set clear standards for how food products must be presented, ensuring transparency, accuracy and alignment with national health objectives. From mandatory labelling elements to front-of-pack health symbols, every detail contributes to consumer trust and product credibility.

Food Label Requirements

Example of an Generic Food Label on a Product

In Singapore, all pre-packaged food products must display specific mandatory information clearly in English. The required elements include:

  • Name of Product

  • Ingredients Listing (in descending order by weight)

  • Net Quantity (by weight or volume)

  • Details of Responsible Entity (with name and local address included)

  • Country of Origin (applicable if the product is not made in Singapore or imported)

A Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) is generally not mandatory, except under certain conditions. It becomes required when (a) a nutrition claim is made (i.e. Low in Sugar, High in Calcium, No Added Salt, etc.), (b) the product bears the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS), and/or (c) the product falls under the Nutri-Grade labelling requirements. At a minimum, a NIP must state the values for:

  1. Energy

  2. Protein

  3. Fat

  4. Carbohydrate

  5. Any nutrient for which the claim is made

While these are the minimum requirements, local authorities strongly encourage businesses to go beyond compliance by providing more detailed nutritional and product information. Doing so not only supports consumer education but also enhances transparency, brand trust and competitiveness in a health-conscious market.

Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions such as fines, product recalls or border rejections. It is therefore essential for businesses to ensure their product labels are accurate, complete and fully aligned with current regulations.

Healthier Choice Symbol

Products containing Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS)

The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is a voluntary front-of-pack labelling programme managed by HPB. It is designed to empower consumers to make more informed food choices by identifying pre-packaged products that meet specific nutritional criteria within their respective food categories.

The HCS supports 34 variants of single or double positive nutrition claims, including but not limited to:

  • No Added Sugar

  • Lower in Sodium

  • Higher in Calcium

  • Lower in Saturated Fat

  • Eat All Foods in Moderation

Products that carry the HCS logo are recognised as healthier options within their category. This can enhance consumer trust, improve brand credibility and open up greater marketing and placement opportunities - particularly in health-focused environments such as schools, hospitals and government institutions.

In alignment with national efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles, HCS-labelled products are also featured in public health campaigns such as the Eat, Drink, Shop Healthy Challenge, offering greater visibility and appeal to health-conscious consumers.

To qualify for the HCS programme, pre-packaged food products must meet HPB’s nutrient criteria for the relevant claim and category. They are also required to undergo mandatory laboratory testing of all core nutrients at an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory to verify the nutritional content before approval.

Nutri-Grade Mark

Products containing Nutri-Grade Mark (Beverages)
Products Poised for Revised Nutri-Grade Mark (SSSIO Products)

The Nutri-Grade mark is a mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme introduced by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). It aims to help consumers make healthier food and beverage choices by targeting Nutrients of Concern, specifically Sugar and Saturated Fat. Products are graded based on the levels of these nutrients, offering a quick and clear indication of their nutritional quality.

The Nutri-Grade system classifies products into four grades:

  • Grade A – Lowest levels of sugar and saturated fat

  • Grade B

  • Grade C

  • Grade D – Highest levels of these nutrients of concern

NOTE : Sodium will be included as a nutrient of concern under revised Nutri-Grade regulations starting from mid-2027.

Products that receive a Grade C or D are required to display the Nutri-Grade label prominently on the front of the packaging. Furthermore, products of grade D are subject to advertising restrictions.

Initially introduced for pre-packaged beverages in 2022, the Nutri-Grade scheme was quickly extended to cover freshly prepared beverages sold at outlets such as bubble tea shops, coffee chains and convenience stores. As part of Singapore’s ongoing strategy to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the framework will further expand in mid-2027 to include additional product categories that are significant sources of sugar, sodium and saturated fat in the local diet.

Mandatory Categories Currently under Nutri-Grade Regulations

  • Pre-packaged Beverages

  • Freshly-Prepared Beverages

  • Dispensed Beverages

Upcoming Categories that must bear Nutri-Grade Mark [effective mid-2027]

  • Salt

  • Sauces and Pastes

  • Seasonings

  • Instant Noodles

  • Oil

Retailers, manufacturers, traders and distributors must ensure all relevant products are properly assessed and comply with Nutri-Grade regulations. This includes the mandatory inclusion of a Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) on the product, displaying a correctly-sized Nutri-Grade Mark and updating product packaging in accordance with the guidelines.

MANDATORY ELEMENTS ON FOOD LABELS ACROSS COUNTRIES OR REGIONS

  • Singapore Food Labelling Requirements - Example

    Singapore

    Mandatory Labelling Language(s):
    English

    Mandatory Elements on Food Label
    1. Name of Product
    2. Ingredients Listing
    3. Details of Responsible Entity
    4. Net Quantity
    5. Country of Origin (if product is imported)

    Reference
    1. Sale of Food Act (Chapter 238) , Food Regulations

  • US FDA Food Labelling Requirements - Example

    United States (US)

    Mandatory Labelling Language(s):
    English

    Mandatory Elements on Food Label
    1. Name of Product
    2. Ingredients Listing
    3. Allergen Declaration
    4. Details of Responsible Entity (including manufacturer and distributor)
    5. Country of Origin
    6. Net Quantity
    7. Nutrition Label

    Reference
    1. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), 21 CFR Part 101

  • European Union Food Labelling Requirements - Example

    European Union (EU)

    Mandatory Labelling Language(s):
    Languages that are commonly understood by consumers within marketing country

    Mandatory Elements on Food Label
    1. Name of Product
    2. Ingredients Listing
    3. Allergen Declaration
    4. Details of Responsible Enitity
    5. Country of Origin
    6. Net Quantity
    7. Use-By / Best Before Date
    8. Nutrition Label
    9. Storage Condition and/or Conditions of Use

    Reference
    1. Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011

  • China Food Labelling Requirements - Example

    China

    Mandatory Labelling Language(s):
    Chinese

    Mandatory Elements on Food Label
    1. Name of Product
    2. Ingredients Listing
    3. Allergen Declaration
    4. Details of Responsible Entity
    5. Country of Origin
    6. Net Quantity
    7. Use By / Best Before Date
    8. Nutrition Label

    Reference
    1. GB 7718-2025, General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods

  • Australia & New Zealand Food Labelling Requirements - Example

    Australia & New Zealand

    Mandatory Labelling Language(s):
    English

    Mandatory Elements on Food Label
    1. Name of Product
    2. Ingredients Listing (with proportions listed)
    3. Lot or Batch Number
    4. Details of Responsible Entity
    5. Country of Origin (for certain food products)
    6. Use By / Best Before Date
    7. Nutrition Panel
    8. Storage Information and Directions of Use
    9. Advisory Statements

    Reference
    1. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food Standards Code, Standard 1.2.1

  • Japan Food Labelling Requirements - Example

    Japan

    Mandatory Labelling Language(s):
    Japanese

    Mandatory Elements on Food Label
    1. Name of Product
    2. Ingredients Listing
    3. Allergen Declaration
    4. Details of Responsible Entity (including manufacturer and distributor)
    5. Country of Origin (if product is imported)
    6. Net Quantity
    7. Use-By / Best Before Date
    8. Nutrition Panel
    9. Storage Conditions

    Reference
    1. Food Labeling Act (Act No. 70 of 2013)

Notes
The mandatory elements listed above are a general summary based on the regulations of the country or region. Specific labeling requirements may vary, and certain food categories or business types may be subject to additional rules or exceptions. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of this information, readers are advised to consult TEL Expert Solutions or refer to the latest version of the relevant regulations before finalising their product labeling.

LET US SUPPORT YOU

Let TEL Expert Solutions Support You!

In addition to the required label elements, food labels often include complex text and technical requirements. With regulations spanning hundreds of pages and varying across countries and regions, navigating the intricacies of food labelling can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and difficult to manage.

Whether you’re an importer, exporter or manufacturer, we’re here to simplify the process and guide you through the complexities of regulatory compliance so that you can focus on growing your business and ensuring your products reach the right consumers with confidence.

THE TEL EXPERT SOLUTIONS DIFFERENCE

Beyond just understanding regulations, we bring hands-on industry experience to every engagement. Our team offers not only reviews but also practical guidance and end-to-end support to help you address challenges effectively and with confidence.

Why Choose TEL Expert Solutions
Considerations Elaborations TEL Expert Solutions Consultants Other Food Labelling Consultants Testing Experts or Advisors
COMPREHENSIVE FOOD LABEL REVIEW SERVICE
One-Stop Regulatory Partner From ingredients review and nutrition labelling to accurate allergen declarations and country-specific regulatory compliance, our experts are trained to manage every aspects of food label review. ✔ May Not Limited*
Dedicated Expert Support Experienced experts are assigned to you, not just coordinators; our experts do not just coordinate testing with laboratories, but also supports the reviewing of test results to ensure accuracy and reliability. ✔ May Not ✔
Multilingual Labelling Services Exporting into international markets requires translation and verification of the food labels. Our language experts can support you in ensuring that your labels are accurately translated and is compliant to local regulations. ✔ May Not May Not
Continued Support We understand that questions or concerns may arise even after the review session. To ensure continued support, we offer a follow-up query service in our packages so clients are never left without guidance. ✔ May Not May Not
RESOURCES & TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
Up-to-Date Regulatory Expertise Our regulatory affairs team actively monitors both local and international food regulations, ensuring that your products remain compliant in all your target markets. ✔ ✔ May Not
TRANSPARENCY & INTEGRITY
Choice of ISO 17025-Accredited Laboratory You have the option to choose from any one of our ISO 17025-accredited laboratories partners, giving you the flexibility to select the most suitable provider with confidence, without bias or hidden agendas. ✔ May Not Limited*
Balanced Recommendations We present both the advantages and limitations of all approaches to support your decision-making process. ✔ May Not May Not
Client-Focused Fee Structure Our fees are transparent with no hidden cost, ensuring the focus remains on you rather than meeting internal KPIs. We also apply a cap on consultation fees for testing requests so as to put focus on you. ✔ May Not May Not
*Please clarify with your consultant, expert or advisor if they offer the respective areas of consideration.

SERVICES AND PRICING STRUCTURE

We understand that unexpected costs can be frustrating. That's why we believe in complete transparency and ensuring you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.

STANDARD SERVICES

Food Label Review (via Offline Review of Food Label with Report)
Report issued by TEL Expert Solutions: SGD 50 per label (inclusive of 9% GST)

Food Label Review (via 1-Hour Physical or Virtual Consultation)
SGD 50 per label (inclusive of 9% GST)

Services include

  • Review of design and text (with regards to font and font size) on product label

  • Review on the order of ingredients listing on product label

  • Basic review of allergen labelling on product label

  • Review of claims listed on product label

  • Evaluation of correctness, suitability and sizing of Nutrition Information Panel / Nutrition Facts Label / Nutrition Declaration and/or Front-of-Pack Label format (if present on product; please note that services does not involve calculation of nutrient values from ingredients)

  • Review on other essential labelling information

  • Up to 15 enquiries on the reviewed food or beverage label (valid for 30 days from the date of formal reviewing process)

Notes to Standard Services
[1] Specification of Country or Region : Please specify the country or region of interest prior to consultation.
[2] Scope of Review : Review is based on design, label, and information provided to us at the time of consultation. TEL Expert Solutions shall not be liable for any inaccuracies due to misinformation or absence of information.
[3] Supplementary Services : Additional charges may apply for any supplementary services requested.

OPTIONAL ADD-ON SERVICES

Nutrition Labels of Various Countries and Regions

Generation of Nutrition Information Panel or Nutrition Facts Label

by Calculation: From SGD 140 per product (inclusive of 9% GST)
by Food Testing: From SGD 200 per product (inclusive of 9% GST) 

Food Additives and Regulations

Review of Ingredients for Regulatory Compliance
Verification of ingredients on food label against local regulations

SGD 12 per product per listing per region (inclusive of 9% GST)

Food Products of Various Countries

Review of Food Label in Languages other than English

SGD 30 per product per language (inclusive of 9% GST)

Supported languages:
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Indian, French, German, Italian

Verification of Nutrition Values Against Database

Cross-Referencing of Nutrient Values against Similar Products
Benchmarked through TEL Expert Solutions’ proprietary database of similar products

SGD 20 per product (inclusive of 9% GST)

Translation of Non-English Ingredients Listing

Verification or Translation of Non-English Ingredients Listing
Supported by technical experts with language proficiency and regulatory knowledge

SGD 12 per language per listing (inclusive of 9% GST)

Supported languages:
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Indian, French, German, Italian

Laboratory Testing

Ad Hoc Food Testing Services
Supported by our local and overseas ISO 17025-accredited partners

Testing Fees at cost price
+ Courier Charge (if relevant)
+ SGD 8 Test Coordination, Review and Administration Charge per test parameter, capped at SGD 60 (inclusive of 9% GST)

Review of Food Labels

Re-Review of Previously Reviewed Labels

SGD 30 per label (inclusive of 9% GST)

PRINT SERVICES

  in collaboration with
Expert Stickers

Food Product Labels

Food Product Label
for affixation onto empty packaging

148 x 210 mm - SGD 0.80 per piece (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size - Contact Us

NOTE : Minimum 10 pieces per order.

Overlay Food Product Label

Overlay Food Product Label
for affixation over existing product label (i.e. foreign product label, print correction, etc.)

30 x 50 mm - SGD 2.00 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
50 x 30 mm - SGD 2.00 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
100 x 50 mm - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size - Contact Us

Nutri-Grade Mark

Nutri-Grade Mark Stickers
for affixation over existing product label

Vertical & Horizontal Variants
25 x 11 mm, 102 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
19 x 10 mm, 152 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
13 x 7 mm, 242 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us

Nutri-Grade Mark for Menus and Menu Boards

Simplified Variant
19 x 10 mm, 152 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us

Suger Declaration for Topping Mark
13 x 7 mm, 242 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us

Healthier Choice Symbols (HCS)

Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) Stickers
for affixation over existing product label

25 mm, 48 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
30 mm, 40 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us

Notes to Print Services
[1] Order Specifications : For all orders, please specify the variant (if applicable), quantity and sticker size required. For Nutri-Grade stickers, indicate the grade and the corresponding levels of nutrients of concern (i.e. 2% sugar, 15% sat fat, 4% sodium, etc.). For Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) stickers, please specify the statement to appear beneath the logo (i.e. Higher in Calcium, Lower in Saturated Fat, No Added Sugar, etc.).
[2] Design Submission : For food product labels or any customised requests, please send us your design in PNG, JPEG, or SVG format.
[3] Tolerance Allowance : Please allow an error of ±2 mm for all prints.
[4] Custom Sizes : If you require stickers of labels of other sizes, please enquire with us.

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