If you’re in the food business, whether as a local food producer or an importer of foreign food, getting your labels right is a must! A simple mistake in food labelling can lead to penalties, product recalls, or even your items being banned from the market. Let’s break down what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary trouble.
Why is Food Labelling So Important? 🏷️
Food labels are not just stickers on packaging – they serve as crucial guides for consumers. Proper labelling ensures transparency, builds trust, and helps customers make informed choices about what they eat. Plus, it’s the law in Malaysia! The Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 set strict requirements that businesses must follow.
Key Requirements for Food Labelling in Malaysia ✅
To keep your food products in the market, ensure your labels include:
🔹 Product Name – Clearly state what the product is.
🔹 Ingredients List – List ingredients in descending order of quantity.
🔹 Allergen Information – Highlight common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten.
🔹 Nutritional Information – Provide details such as calories, fats, protein, and carbohydrates.
🔹 Expiry or Best Before Date – Consumers need to know how long the product is safe to consume.
🔹 Manufacturer/Importer Details – Include the company’s name and address.
🔹 Halal Certification (if applicable) – Required for products marketed as halal.
🔹 Language Requirements – Labels must be in Bahasa Malaysia, though bilingual labels (e.g., BM & English) are allowed.
Common Labelling Mistakes That Can Cost You! 💸
🚨 Mislabelling Ingredients – Forgetting to list all ingredients or misrepresenting them can lead to serious legal issues.
🚨 No Bahasa Malaysia Translation – Labels that are only in English or other languages can get your product pulled off shelves.
🚨 Missing Allergen Warnings – This is a major safety concern and a legal requirement.
🚨 Wrong Expiry Date Format – Using an incorrect format can confuse consumers and lead to penalties.
🚨 Unapproved Health Claims – Claims like “Cures Diabetes” or “Boosts Immunity Instantly” need proper approval before use.
Importing Foreign Food? Don’t Forget These Steps! 🌍🚢
If you’re bringing in food from overseas, ensure:
✔ The product meets Malaysia’s food safety and labelling requirements.
✔ Ingredients and allergens are properly translated into Bahasa Malaysia.
✔ The food has necessary approvals from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant authorities.
✔ Labels include Halal certification if marketed for Muslim consumers.
How Can Ansarcomp Help? 🏆
Navigating food labelling regulations can be overwhelming, but Ansarcomp is here to make it easy for you! 💡
🔹 We help you ensure your labels meet MOH and regulatory standards.
🔹 We provide translation and compliance checks for imported food products.
🔹 We assist in obtaining Halal certification and other necessary approvals.
🔹 We save you from costly mistakes, product recalls, and unnecessary delays.
Don’t let labelling issues ruin your business! Get in touch with Ansarcomp today and let us handle the compliance for you! 🚀🥇