Table of Contents Shopping Food Labelling Food labels are meant to give you information to help you choose between foods. This includes the food, additives and added water. They are listed in order of weight with the largest amount first but the actual weight is not listed. For example, with mushroom soup you get more mushrooms than other ingredients where mushrooms come near the top of the list.
Most food additives have to be included on the ingredient list, either by name or E number.
Use by' is used for foods that can go off within a few days, such as meat pies or chilled convenience meals. Best before' is used for food that can be kept longer. Use by' and 'best before' dates are based on the buyer following the storage instructions. If instructions are not followed, food will spoil more quickly and there may be a risk of food poisoning. For an example of a food label click here .