Blog Entry #5: Food Label Analysis

 

    The images above are the packaging and food label from Gardenia’s Cheese Buns. Let us check to see if the product has followed proper food labeling and packaging. There is a lot to expect from a product manufactured by a well known brand like Gardenia. As an established household brand in the Philippines, it is expected that they follow the guidelines in food labeling and are able to provide the adequate information needed for consumers to see in their packaging.

Consumer Act guidelines on Labeling and Fair Packaging

• Its correct and registered trade name or brand name – present

• Its duly registered trademark – present

• Its duly registered business name – present

• The address of the manufacturer, importer, repacker of the consumer product in the Philippines – the manufacturer’s address is present but the other informations isn’t

• Its general make or active ingredients – present

• The net quantity of contents, in terms of weight, measure or numerical count rounded of at least the nearest tenths in the metric system – present

• Country of manufacture, if imported – not applicable

• If a consumer product is manufactured, refilled, or repacked under license from a principal, the label shall so state the fact – present

• Philippine Product Standard Mark – not present

• Price Tag Requirement – present

• Manner of Placing Price Tags – present

• Regulations for Price Tags Placement – present

• Additional Labeling Requirements for Food

• Expiry or expiration date, where applicable – present

• Whether the consumer product is semi-processed, fully-processed, ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat, prepared food or just plain mixture – not explicitly labeled but there is a “Baked Fresh Everyday, can also be reheated” mark

• Nutritive value, if any – present

• Whether the ingredients used are natural or synthetic, as the case may be – present

2014 Labeling of Prepackaged Food

• Product Name/ Name of the Food

• The product name is a bit too generalized and common. However, when paired with the brand name, it does stand out and becomes recognizable. In the packaging, the product name is clearly visible in bold and big yellow font against a blue background.

• Use of Brand Name and/or Trademark

• The brand name of the product is also clearly visible as it is strategically placed above the product name in its trademarked logo.

• Complete List of Ingredients

• In the food label, the ingredients are clearly stated and properly categorized according to parts of the product. The term “ingredients” is properly seen and labeled. There  seems to be no missing ingredient from the list. Flavorings and coloring substances are mentioned and included, as well as food additives.

• Net Contents and Drained Weight

• The nutrition label follows the metric system of measurement and is clearly displayed. Since the product is a solid food, the measurement is indicated by weight.

• Name and address of Manufacturer, Repacker, Packer, Importer, Trader and Distributor

• The product only has an address for whom the product was manufactured for. Other than that, there was no other information.

• Lot Identification

• No lot identification is visible

• Storage Condition

• No indicated storage condition required. However, it does indicate that the product “can also be reheated”.

• Expiry or Expiration Date

• The expiration date is not placed in the packaging itself but on the price tag. Since the price tag is a sticker, there is a risk of it getting removed.

• Food Allergen Information

• There is no information or warning about food allergens. However, the product has listed all ingredients.

• Direction/ Instruction(s) for Use

• At the back of the packaging, a clear direction for use is indicated and visible.

• Nutrition Facts/ Nutrition Information/ Nutritive Value

• The nutrition facts label clearly indicates all necessary information regarding the product.

Based on the information above, although there are a few lacking information regarding the product, as a consumer, I would say that there isn’t anything else I’d like to recommend for the product. It has all the necessary information that I look for when buying food products and that is enough for me.