Important requirements for food vending machines
If you intend to sell packaged food from your vending machine, you must ensure that it is correctly labeled in accordance with the Food Information Regulation (FIR). This applies in particular to groups of people such as farmers or butchers who intend to sell their own products from the vending machine.
What is the Food Information Regulation (FIR)?
The Food Information Regulation applies to all EU member states and stipulates which information and details must be printed on the packaging of packaged foods. This serves to provide consumers with standardized information so that consumers can make an informed purchasing decision and there is transparency regarding ingredients, for example.
How must food be labeled?
- Name of the food: The food must be labeled clearly and comprehensibly (e.g. strawberry jam)
- Ingredients and allergens: The ingredients of a food must be listed in descending order of quantity. The ingredient with the largest proportion is listed first, followed by the other ingredients in decreasing quantities. Allergens such as nuts must be listed in bold and preferably in capital letters.
- Nutritional information: Inform consumers about calories and nutritional information. They include values for energy, fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugar, protein and salt. This information is used to make an informed purchasing decision and to support a balanced diet.
- Net quantity
- Country of origin or place of origin
- Best before date or use by date
- Name and address of the producer or manufacturer
- Preparation instructions, if applicable
- Freezing date, if applicable
What does this mean for vending machine operators?
Most of you will want to sell products that are already labeled in accordance with the FIR. However, if you intend to sell your own products or other foodstuffs that are not yet labeled, you must ensure that they contain all the information mentioned above.
It is also important that the label containing this information is suitable for vending machines. This means that it is waterproof and has firm corners.
Further requirements that must be observed when selling foodstuffs
- Hygiene regulations: The production, storage and sale must be carried out under hygienically perfect conditions.
- Cold chain: It must be ensured that foodstuffs requiring refrigeration are cooled correctly throughout.
- Food inspections: Food must be regularly inspected by independent bodies or authorities.