Legislation

Probably no sector is more regulated than the food sector. Independent sources have been reporting for decades that European, and even more specifically Belgian, food is one of the most controlled sectors in the world.

This has the advantage that there are very clear guidelines for food producers and distributors between which they can and may move. On the other hand, there are so many regulations that it is very difficult for a producer to know all of them. This is certainly true when a producer uses ingredients that are subject to their own regulations, such as flavourings and additives.

Because Flandria Foods works very closely with its sister company Flandor Flavours International for the supply of a number of ingredients, the company is very familiar with the legislation at various levels. Starting from raw materials, (natural) flavourings are produced, which may or may not be combined with spice mixtures (not to be confused with spice extracts, to give just one example of common mistakes). Additives provide technical support when required. Subsequently, these semi-finished products are used in the production of soups, sauces, broths or other products for which a label must be prepared.

In order to achieve a good 'Clean Label' or 'Clear Label' label of the above description, many different laws have been passed in the exercise. Flandria Foods supports its customers in drawing up and optimising their labels. Because sometimes a different approach or perspective can give a label a completely different look, perfectly within the legal framework. In order to gain such insights, a knowledge of legislation from top to bottom is necessary.