PPDS labelling: check the label before food reaches display
Check whether your food is prepacked for direct sale, understand the core label information and create a simple release check that catches recipe, ingredient and printing changes before sale.
Check the way the food is sold
Food packed by the same business before the customer selects or orders it may be prepacked for direct sale, commonly including sandwiches and boxed salads. Packaging timing, location and sales arrangements matter. Use the official decision guidance rather than deciding from the product name alone.
Check the core label information
PPDS labels require the food name and a full ingredients list, with relevant allergens emphasised wherever they appear. Ingredients generally appear in descending order of weight when used. Compound ingredients may need their components included. Labels must be visible and legible; check the detailed presentation rules for your product.
Make every change trigger a check
A substitute bread, dressing or filling can change the information required. Match the printed label to the current recipe and supplier ingredients before releasing the batch.
- Compare the food, recipe and label version.
- Check ingredients within compound ingredients.
- Check allergen emphasis and label legibility.
- Hold food from sale if its label cannot be verified.
Use the guidance for your UK nation
FSA PPDS guidance covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has corresponding PPDS requirements and separate Food Standards Scotland guidance. Online sales, food packed on request and products supplied by another business can follow different rules. Check the applicable guidance and ask your local authority about uncertain cases.