Food labelling in Malaysia is important if you are a food manufacturer or producer, especially when it comes to pre-packaged food products.
Not only it is a legal requirement, but it also helps consumers make safe, informed purchase decisions.
Food Labelling Mistakes to Avoid
Since the implementation of product labelling, we have seen a lot more labelling done correctly by food manufacturers in Malaysia.
However, we have also noticed some common blunders that can drive away customers or even result in a fine from the MOH.
So, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when creating food labels for your food products:
Illegible and unreadable labels
Labels need to be clearly visible in order for customers to read them easily.
If the writing on your label is so small that customers cannot read it, it defeats the purpose of having a label in the first place.
In addition to this, if the writing on your label is illegible, this causes confusion among customers.
They may think that they are buying something different from what they actually are buying.
Not only that, if you have illegible labels, you run the risk of being fined by authorities as legibility is one of the basic legal product labelling requirements in Malaysia.
So, if you find that your label is illegible or unreadable, then you should consider redesigning it.
Failure to include allergen information on labels
Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions in some people.
They can be found naturally in foods such as milk, eggs, and peanuts.
Failure to include this information can lead people with allergies or intolerances to consume products that cause adverse effects on their health such as vomiting and diarrhea, headaches, and stomach aches.
Therefore, allergens listed in malaysia food act must be clearly labelled so that consumers know what ingredients they need to avoid when purchasing certain products.
Failure to do so is a severe offense under the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and may result in prosecution.
Making false and misleading claims
This includes claims such as “low fat”, “low sugar” and “no added sugar”.
The MOH has set out specific criteria for these claims so food manufacturers must ensure that their products meet those criteria before making any claim.
For the most part, this means that you should not make any statements about your product unless they are true, accurate, and can be proved.
For more information on nutritional claims, check out the Forbidden Claims on Product Labels in Malaysia and Permitted Nutrition Claims for Food Product Labels in Malaysia.
Not including nutritional information
The Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) is mandatory for all packaged foods sold in Malaysia. This includes pre-packaged items such as biscuits, bread, snack food, and drinks.
The NIP provides information on the content of calories (energy), fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt per serving size.
It also indicates Glycaemic Index (GI) values for some products to help consumers choose healthier options.
It is a huge mistake for manufacturers not to include nutritional information on their labels. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and want to know what’s in their food.
By not providing nutritional information, you are likely to lose out on sales as people will simply choose another brand with better information instead.
Suggested read: How to Get Nutrition Facts for My Product in Malaysia
Not having a professional label design
Having an unprofessional design is one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a food manufacturer.
Consumers will automatically associate your product with your label, so it’s crucial to have a professional label design that will make your brand look trustworthy and credible.
By having your labels designed by a professional designer, you can ensure that they will be attractive and eye-catching enough to attract customers’ attention.
Therefore, you would need to hire a professional label designer who understands what goes into designing food labels and how they should be structured in order to produce an effective one.
Food Labelling Service in Malaysia
Food labelling in Malaysia is regulated under the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.
However, some companies may not be aware of all regulations on food labelling in Malaysia and may not be able to meet all requirements by themselves.
Therefore, to avoid wrong labelling practices, contact a professional food label consultant so that you can create labels that comply with the local regulations.
Foodipedia can also help you create labels for your food products that will attract customers and increase sales.
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DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Please opt for a one-to-one consultation with us or a relevant professional for your specific concerns regarding food business solutions in Malaysia before making any decisions.
