“The sheer scale of implementing the Food Information Regulation is unprecedented for some firms, as it means converting many thousands of lines in a short period of time and at great expense,” said Spice.
As the clock ticks towards the December deadline, there are still outstanding issues to be decided, he said. “This is causing uncertainty for some firms, particularly small and medium-sized ones and we are getting an increasing number of enquiries from our members.”
Outstanding questions
To help answer some of those outstanding questions, Spice will be joining the expert panel assembled by Food Manufacture for its free one-hour webinar on FIR, which will take place at 11am GMT on Thursday February 20.
Taking part in the webinar – Food Information to Consumers Regulation: what you need to know – will be Premier Foods, the Trading Standards Institute and, our online event partner, law firm DWF.
Alasdair Tucker, head of regulatory affairs at Premier Foods and head of the Food and Drink Federation’s Food Law & Labelling Committee, will explain how one of Britain’s biggest food manufacturers is planning to ensure it complies with the new regulations.
Corinne Lowe, joint lead officer food and nutrition, Trading Standards Institute, will explain how the FIR is likely to be policed. “The Food Information to Consumers Regulation will affect every food manufacturer, food retailer and catering establishment within the UK,” said Lowe.
Dominic Watkins, partner and head of the food group at DWF, will explain the legal framework surrounding the new legislation and how best food and drink manufacturers can ensure they comply with the law. “We will hear from different stakeholders discussing some of the key issues that will impact them and how they are preparing for the change," said Watkins. “This webinar will help to raise awareness and give some tips and hints on areas where business needs to focus in advance of the December 14 deadline.”
Other important date
The other important date to remember is December 14 2016, when the new nutrition labelling requirements come into force.
But all is not bleak some parts of the new food labelling regulation should be welcomed, said Spice, who was formerly Waitrose’s head of regulatory affairs. “There are certain aspects of the new regulation that are to be applauded as old pieces of legislation are consolidated and updated.”
Register for your free webinar place. There are no restrictions on the number of registrations that can be made. Questions about FIR can be emailed to our expert panel – in advance or on the day of broadcast.