Council Directive 90/496/EEC on nutrition labelling for foodstuffs.

Without any prejudice to the labelling norms laid down in Council Directive 89/398/EEC, this Directive makes provision on nutrition labelling of foodstuffs to be delivered as such to the ultimate consumer. It shall apply also to foodstuffs destined to supply to restaurants, hospitals, canteens and other similar mass caterers. The Directive shall not apply to: (a) natural mineral waters or other waters intended for human consumption; (b) diet integrators or food supplements. In order to clearly determine the application scope, article 1 (4) lays down several definitions, including the definition of "nutrition labelling", "nutrition claim", "carbohydrate", "sugars", "fat". "Nutrition labelling" means any information which appears on labelling and refers to energy value and certain nutrients. Nutrition labelling shall be optional. Nevertheless, where a nutrition claim appears on labelling, in presentation or in advertising (with the exception of generic advertising), nutrition labelling shall be compulsory. Article 4 establishes the information to be given when nutrition labelling is provided. It shall be printed in legible and indelible characters in a conspicuous place. Article 3 designates the only types of nutrition labelling which shall be permitted. Member States shall refrain from establishing nutrition labelling requirements more detailed than those laid down in this Directive. An Annex is attached.