How to read a food supplement label

A food supplement label is a document, not an advert. What it must say is set by EU law and, in Lithuania, by the hygiene standard HN 17:2016 “Maisto papildai”. The Lithuanian State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) has also published clear labelling guidance. Here is what to read before a bottle goes into your cart.

1. The name and the words “food supplement”

The product name has to be clear and must not mislead, and the words “food supplement” have to appear with it. The net quantity, for example the number of capsules and their weight in grams, sits in the same field of view. Nothing on the label may mislead you about the composition, the origin or the properties of the product. If the pack shows only a brand name and one catchy word, look for more information before you buy.

2. Ingredients

The list starts with the word “ingredients”, and the ingredients are listed by weight, largest first. It includes everything: the main substance, but also the capsule shell, fillers and other helpers. Allergens such as soy or cereals containing gluten must stand out through the font, style or background colour.

For mushroom and plant supplements, look for which part was used (fruiting body, mycelium, root, leaf) and in what form: powder or extract. We explain mushroom extracts in Fruiting body or mycelium: how mushroom extracts differ.

3. Amounts per daily dose

Under HN 17:2016, the label gives the amounts of each substance in the recommended daily dose, as numbers. For vitamins and minerals it also shows what share of the reference intake (RI) that amount is.

Watch out when the amount is given per capsule but the daily dose is several capsules: you will need to do the maths yourself. For extracts it helps to know the ratio, for example 10:1, and the beta glucan percentage if one is stated.

4. Daily dose and the mandatory statements

Every food supplement must state the recommended daily dose and how to take it. VMVT’s guidance lists the statements no label may leave out:

• Food supplement.
• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
• A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
• Keep out of reach of children.

The exact wording can vary, but the meaning must stay the same. In Lithuania the mandatory information has to be in Lithuanian. If a statement is missing, or the whole label is in a foreign language only, the product was probably not labelled for the Lithuanian market.

5. Best before date and batch

The date after “Best before” tells you until when the product keeps its properties if stored correctly. If the label says how soon to use it once opened, follow that too. A batch or lot number usually sits next to it, so a specific production run can be traced if a question or a recall comes up.

6. Who is responsible and where it is from

The label must name the food business responsible for the product, with an address: the manufacturer, packer or distributor under whose name it is sold. If the manufacturer is outside the EU, the EU importer is named.

The country of origin is required when leaving it out could mislead you. For example, if the pack shows a Lithuanian address but the product was made elsewhere, that country has to be named.

7. Storage: what the label says and what to do at home

The label gives storage conditions, usually “store in a cool, dry place”. At home that means:

• not in the bathroom and not above the stove or kettle, where it is warm and damp;
• not on a sunny windowsill or in the car;
• always close the lid tightly, and leave any moisture absorbing sachet inside;
• keep it in the original pack, so the label and date stay with it;
• keep it out of reach of children, for example on a high shelf.

Capsules dislike damp and heat: moisture can make them soft or sticky.

8. What a label must not say

Statements linking a food to health are allowed only if they are authorised and listed in the EU Register. Lion’s mane, for example, has no authorised claim in the register, so a label or advert that promises a lot about it deserves a second look.

Buying online

When you buy online, all mandatory information except the best before date must be visible before you pay. That is Article 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. If a shop does not show the ingredients or the mandatory statements, ask the seller or buy elsewhere.

A short checklist

1. Does it say “food supplement” and give the net quantity?
2. Is it clear what is inside and in what form?
3. Are amounts given per daily dose?
4. Are the daily dose and all mandatory statements there, in Lithuanian for the Lithuanian market?
5. Are the date, batch, responsible business and, if needed, the country of origin shown?
6. Does the label avoid promises the EU does not allow?

The full Cerebro label, with the mandatory statements and the distributor’s details, is on the product page. For the mushroom itself, read What is lion’s mane. Choose your set

Sources

• VMVT, food supplement labelling guidance (2019, PDF, in Lithuanian)
• Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements, Article 6
• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers
• European Commission, distance selling and food information
• Your Europe, food supplement labelling
• EU Register of nutrition and health claims