Blog Post
Labelling Requirements for Sports Nutrition
In the fast-paced world of sports nutrition, where performance and precision are paramount, it is critical to understand the importance of regulatory compliance and transparency. Whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of sports nutrition products, adhering to precise labelling requirements is not only a legal obligation but also a key component of maintaining the trust and loyalty of your customers.
Labelling Requirements
Labelling Requirements
Below, you will find an in-depth guide to labelling within the sports nutrition domain. Our objective in this section is to unravel the key components of labelling, offering transparent insights that hold significance for both consumers and industry professionals.
The name of the food should be clear and accurate. This ensures that consumers can easily identify the product they are purchasing. It should also reflect the nature of the product, whether it's a protein powder, energy bar, or a recovery supplement.
The most fundamental requirement for labeling sports nutrition products is to provide an accurate and comprehensive list of ingredients. Consumers rely on this information to make informed choices, especially if they have dietary restrictions or allergies. The ingredients should be listed in descending order by weight, with the primary ingredient mentioned first. This helps consumers understand what makes up the majority of the product.
For the safety of consumers with allergies, labels must include allergen warnings. Common allergens, such as nuts, dairy, soy, and gluten, should be highlighted if they are present in the product.
Substances or products that can cause allergies or intolerances are:
cereals containing gluten, crustaceans and products thereof, eggs and products thereof, fish and products thereof, peanuts and products thereof, soybeans and products thereof, milk and products thereof (including lactose), nuts and products thereof, celery and products thereof, mustard and products thereof, sesame seeds and products thereof, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin and products thereof, and molluscs and products thereof.
Labels should specify the quantity of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients essential to the product's purpose. This ensures consumers have a clear understanding of the product's composition. Also, the net quantity of the food, in standard units (e.g., grams, milliliters, or servings), must be clearly indicated. This provides consumers with the information they need to gauge their consumption accurately.
To ensure that consumers use the product safely and effectively, a clear expiration date must be indicated on the label. This information helps consumers understand when the product is no longer safe to consume.
Any special storage conditions and/or conditions of use must be prominently communicated. This aids consumers in preserving product quality and maintaining its intended benefits.
In case consumers have questions or concerns, sports nutrition labels should provide contact information for the manufacturer or distributor. This allows for transparency and easy communication between consumers and the company.
The country of origin should be clearly indicated. This transparency is not only a legal requirement in many jurisdictions but also provides consumers with information about where the product was manufactured or sourced.
Instructions for use help consumers understand how to best incorporate the product into their routine. This may include directions on dosage, mixing, or other relevant usage details.Clearly defining the serving size and the number of servings per container is crucial. This information helps consumers understand the portion size and manage their consumption accurately. It also enables them to calculate their intake of calories and nutrients effectively.
Sports nutrition labels must include a detailed breakdown of the product's nutritional content. Key elements to include are:
Energy value: The total number of calories is essential for individuals managing their energy intake. Macronutrients: The label should specify the amount of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, and salt. These are critical for individuals with specific dietary goals, such as building muscle or managing weight. Vitamins and Minerals: If a product contains vitamins or minerals, they should be listed, along with their respective quantities, as a percentage of the nutrient reference values (NRVs). Sports nutrition labels should include the %NRV for various nutrients. The %NRV represents how much a serving of the product contributes to an individual's daily nutrient intake, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This information helps consumers assess the nutritional value of the product in the context of their daily diet.
