New FIR rules ‘to change the goalposts’: DWF law firm

“Food labelling law is vitally important,”​ said Dominic Watkins, partner and head of regulatory affairs at DWF, who will be taking part in Food Manufacture​’s free, one-hour webinar on the subject at 11am on Thursday February 20. 

“It governs what information must be on the packaging and where. While food and drink manufacturers deeply understand the existing tried and tested labelling rules, the new rules change the goalposts.”​

Food Information Regulation​

The new Food Information Regulation (FIR) will cover a wide range of detail, he added. That includes: the minimum font size for certain information, different nutrition boxes, requirements for labelling of allergens, country of origin, frozen and previous frozen food, front of pack nutrition signposting.

To help arm food and drink manufacturers with the information they need to prepare for the new rules, Food Manufacture​, in association with DWF has assembled an expert line of speakers.

Premier Foods​

Taking part in the online event will be Premier Foods, and the Trading Standards Institute, in addition to DWF.

Speakers include:

Alasdair Tucker​, head of regulatory affairs at Premier Foods and chairman of the Food and Drink Federation’s Food Law & labelling Committee, on how one of Britain’s largest food manufacturers is preparing for the changes enshrined in FIR.

Corinne Lowe, ​joint lead officer food and nutrition, Trading Standards Institute, on how the FIR is likely to affect food and drink manufacturers and retailers.

Dominic Watkins​, DWF, on the legal framework surrounding the new legislation.

Watkins said: “We will hear from different stakeholders discussing some of the key issues that will impact them and how they are preparing for the change. 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.”​

While December 14 is the key date, it is already permissible to comply with the new rules.

The other important date is December 14 2016, when the new nutrition labelling requirements come into force.

Book your place at this free event by emailing Michael.stones@wrbm.com​.

The webinar will also include a question and answer session. Email your question in advance to the above email address. Or, submit your query during the presentations on Thursday February 20.