Irish Regulatory Agency Issues Guidance on Use of Food Marketing Terms

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a guidance note
for industry discussing general legal requirements for use of the descriptors
“artisan/artisanal,” “farmhouse,” “traditional” and “natural.”

“Marketing terms are designed to resonate with consumers and are an
essential part of business development in the food industry,” said Wayne
Anderson, FSAI Director of Food Science and Standards. “Consumers
need to be confident that the foods they purchase and consume are
accurately and truthfully described on the label. Food businesses should
also be confident that genuine descriptions of their food are not diluted
in the marketplace by undefined marketing terms.”

The labeling guidelines apply to products placed on the market after
December 2016. See FSAI News Release, May 14, 2015.

Issue 566