Ingredienskrav

Ingredienskrav are regulatory requirements that determine how the ingredients of a product must be identified and disclosed to consumers. They are commonly used for foods but may also apply to cosmetics, medicines, and other consumer goods. The central aim is to provide transparency about what a product contains and to help consumers avoid allergens and other ingredients they wish to avoid.

In many jurisdictions, products sold to consumers must include an ingredients list on packaging, written in clear, commonly used names. The list is typically ordered by weight, from most to least abundant at the time of manufacture. Allergen information must be clearly indicated, often by highlighting or using a separate allergen declaration. Some ingredients may be exempt from labeling or disclosed only in certain circumstances, such as foods sold loose or prepared on site.

Nomenclature is standardized to avoid ambiguity. For foods in the European Union, labeling is governed by Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, which requires the ingredients to be listed in descending order and allergens to be clearly identified. In cosmetics, the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) naming system is commonly used to ensure consistent ingredient identification.

Enforcement is carried out by national authorities, and non-compliance can lead to penalties, recalls, or product bans. Consumers benefit from this information when comparing products and managing allergies or dietary restrictions. See also: food labeling, allergen labeling, regulatory compliance, and jurisdiction-specific rules.