If you’re planning to sell your food product in stores, you’ll need more than just great taste.
You need a food label for retail that meets regulations.
A proper label isn’t just about branding, it ensures compliance with Malaysia food labelling regulations, keeps your product on shelves, and builds trust with consumers.
Let’s break down the steps to creating a retail-ready, fully compliant food label.
Why Is Labeling Compliance Important?
A food label isn’t just about design – it’s a legal requirement.
Retailers and regulators need to see clear, accurate information about your product, including ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts.
What are the risks of non-compliant or inaccurate labels?
- Legal penalties – Fines or bans on selling your product.
- Retail rejection – Stores may refuse to stock your product.
- Consumer safety risks – Incorrect labeling could cause health issues.
Ignore this guide, and you might end up with fines, recalls, or your product banned from shelves. Here’s how to do it right!
Step 1: Follow Malaysia Food Labelling Regulations
The Malaysia food labelling regulations require specific details on your food label.
Getting it wrong can result in legal consequences, product recalls, or difficulty entering retail markets. Here’s what must be included:
- Product Name
State the appropriate designation of your product. For example, instead of just “Cookies,” specify “Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies.” - Ingredients List (QUID Labelling)
Must follow QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration), listing ingredients in descending order by weight. - Nutrition Facts
Must comply with the Malaysian format, including calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. - Manufacturer & Importer Details
If locally made, include manufacturer details. If imported, the importer’s details must also be present. - Net Weight
Clearly state the net weight or volume of your product in metric units. - Date Marking
Include the expiry date, best before, or use-by date according to regulatory format. - Substantiated Claims
Any health or nutrition claims must be scientifically backed and comply with regulations.
Beyond these, there are many other detailed compliance requirements that food businesses must follow. Navigating these rules can be complex, which is why professional help is highly recommended!
Step 2: Use the Right Language & Formatting
Your label makanan (food label) must be in Bahasa Melayu for locally produced products, with English translations if necessary. If it’s an imported product, the label must include Bahasa Melayu and/or English.
Compliant label formatting tips:
✅ Use clear, legible fonts: Avoid overly small or decorative fonts that make it hard to read.
✅ Highlight key wordings: Some words, like allergens and certain mandatory statements, need to be prominent according to regulations.
✅ Follow correct units – Use grams (g), milliliters (ml), and percentage values accurately.
Failing to follow these formatting guidelines could result in non-compliance, making your product unsellable in retail stores.
Step 3: Align Your Label with Food Product Branding
A compliant label doesn’t have to be boring! Your food product branding should be:
Visually appealing: A great design helps your product stand out on supermarket shelves.
Clear & informative: Customers should instantly understand what your product is and why they should buy it.
Professional & practical: Retailers prefer products with professionally designed compliance labelling solutions.
Need help designing a compliant and marketable label? We provide professional and practical packaging design services to meet both regulatory and branding needs!
Step 4: Get Expert Help for Full Compliance & Certification
Creating a food label for retail isn’t just about including the right details, it also needs to be officially approved.
Before your product can hit the shelves, it must be submitted to FOSIM (Food Safety Information System of Malaysia) for a certified full compliance review.
Here’s why hiring professionals is essential:
- Regulatory Expertise
Experts in food labeling and regulatory compliance consulting ensure your label meets all legal requirements. - Avoid Costly Mistakes
Errors can lead to delays, rejections, or fines, impacting your business. - Hassle-Free FOSIM Submission
We assist in preparing and submitting your label to FOSIM for official compliance approval.
Skipping this step can jeopardize your retail sales and put your business at risk. Let us handle your label compliance, so you can focus on growing your business!
Get It Right the First Time with Label Compliance Experts
Creating a compliant food label for retail isn’t just about ticking boxes.
It’s about ensuring your product is legally approved, retail-ready, and marketable. The regulations are complex, and one small mistake can cost your business time and money.
Instead of struggling with the compliance process yourself, let our team of experts handle everything for you!
From food label compliance review to FOSIM submission, we ensure your product meets all requirements and gets onto supermarket shelves smoothly.
Contact us today to get started!
Next read: End-to-End Compliant Label Development Services
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.
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