Understanding Your Product Label

25.MAY.07

Many of the products that are produced by manufacturers carry a label.

What is a label?

A label is a piece of paper, fabric or plastic attached to something providing instructions about it or which is used for identifying it or its contents.

Why is Labelling Necessary?{{more}}

• It provides the consumer with information about the quality and other characteristics of the item so he or she can choose wisely.
• It conveys information about the nutritional content of foods.
• It encourages the manufacturer to engage in sound practices which will not endanger the health of consumers.
• It helps consumers to select healthier foods and plan nutritious meals for themselves and their families.
• It enables consumers to compare products with each other.
• It assists consumers to estimate how much of a nutrient they are eating.
• It is used as a means to promote the sales of a product.
• Information on Product Labels
• Different products would carry different information on their labels. For some products such as processed food the required information is regulated. If you are operating a food processing business is St. Vincent and the Grenadines you should get in touch with the SVG Bureau of Standards to obtain the necessary information.

Processed Food Items

The label of food items should contain the following information

• The name of the food. This should appear on the front panel or the principal or main display panel. The name should be printed using a noticeable print type. The form of the food should also be stated if it can be sold in different forms, for e.g. in the case of corn, whole kernel or cream-style.
• A list of ingredients. The ingredient list makes the buyer aware of the contents of the product. It should include each ingredient used in the product starting with the ingredient that weighs the most. If additives and preservatives have been added to the product then these should also be listed.
• Net quantity of contents. This tells the consumer how much of the product is in the container. This information is often given in metric, e.g.litres, grams, etc. and in imperial units e.g. ounces (ozs), lbs, kilo, etc.
• Indication of the durability of the item (Shelf-life) or how long the product is good under normal conditions of storage and use. This may be indicated by words such as ‘use by’ or ‘best before’
• Any special storage instructions or conditions of use.
• The name and address of the manufacturer, packer or seller.
• The place of origin of the food.
• Instructions for use where necessary.
• Nutritional information. This information must be broken down according to specified serving size. It includes
• the number of servings in the package
• calories
• grams of fat per serving

Household and Garden Products

Some of the information on your household and garden products would include

• Composition or what it is made up of
• Uses
• Warnings
• First aid instructions
• Type of applicator to use
• Warranty or guarantee

Cosmetics, Toiletries and Drugs

• Listing of ingredients
• Any precautions
• Clothing or Garment
• Type of material the garment is made out of
• Care instructions-How to care. Laundering information/instructions must be provided starting with washing, then bleaching, and finally drying and ironing
• Fibre content e.g. 100% cotton, etc. The fibre content that is highest in percentage is listed first.
• The country in which the garment was made.
• Labelling is important for the manufacturer as well as the consumer. It is essential that manufacturers label their products correctly in keeping with local and where applicable international standards. Failure to label correctly is unethical and may result in severe consequences.
• Consumers need to read labels to be more informed of the products they are buying and whether or not they are indeed purchasing what they think they are. While manufacturers have a responsibility to label correctly, as consumers you are responsible for the health and welfare of your families and therefore, should be more aware of the products that you purchase for their use.

For information specific to St. Vincent and the Grenadines please contact the SVG Bureau of Standards which is located at Campden Park.

Submitted by the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) a non-profit company that provides business development services to the local private sector. We are located on the 1st Floor, Methodist Building, Granby Street. Kingstown. Telephone 784-451-2235/6. Email cedsvg@vincysurf.com or cedsvg@hotmail.com.