Product analysis and nutritional value

In Switzerland, foodstuffs are labelled in accordance with the Food Labelling Ordinance (Lebensmittelkennzeichnungsverordnung, LKV; SR 817.022.21). Declaration of nutritional values for foodstuffs is, at the moment not yet a general obligation here. The exception is products for which special characteristics (health claims) i.e. nutritional values and health related information are emphasised. Here, the regulations from Section 11a of the Food Labelling Ordinance (LKV) must be conformed with.

Are you looking for an accredited Swiss contract laboratory for the analysis of the nutritional values for your products? We will test for you in accordance with the Swiss Book of Foodstuffs (Schweizer Lebensmittelbuch, SLMB) and the Foodstuffs and Feed Code (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) using the latest methods. Quick, competent, reliable.

Do you have any question on the interpretation of the Food Labelling Ordinance (LKV) or do you require help in the evaluation of the test results? Then take advantage of our experience from more than 45 years of foodstuff analysis. 

Pourquoi mentionner volontairement les valeurs nutritionnelles ?

L'étiquetage des denrées alimentaires est de plus en plus déterminant dans la décision d'achat des consommateurs. Avec pour explication une sensibilisation toujours plus grande aux composants et ratios ayant une influence sur la santé et le souhait de choisir des aliments en fonction de ses besoins.

Le règlement de l'UE 1169/2011 prévoit de rendre obligatoires les « Big 7 » dans les informations nutritionnelles à partir du 12.12.2016. A compter du 13.12.2014, les déclarations volontaires devront déjà être effectuées conformément à l'ordonnance (UE) 1169/2011. La législation suisse fixera des obligations similaires lors de sa prochaine révision pour la transposer dans son droit national. Il est, à cet égard, également nécessaire de veiller à la modification de l'ordre d'affichage des valeurs nutritionnelles ainsi qu'à la bonne indication du taux de sel à la place de celui du sodium.

C'est pourquoi l'industrie agro-alimentaire commence actuellement à mettre en place le contrôle et la déclaration des valeurs nutritionnelles correspondants pour leurs produits

Who is responsible for the information on foodstuffs?

The manufacturer and the distributor are responsible for the correctness of the nutritional value information. The information must be truthful and must not be intended to deceive. (Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Consumer Products, Lebensmittel- und Gebrauchsgegenständeverordnung). Nowadays, it is common practice to indicate the nutritional value analyses corresponding to EU Regulation 1169/2011, to offer the consumer the maximum amount of information and transparency. Goods that are intended for export in the EU are also subject to the corresponding obligation for labelling.

Important information about nutritional values

In Switzerland, information is generally made available on the energy value, the amount of fats (unsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats), carbohydrates, dietary fibre (fibres), sugar, proteins and sodium. Vitamins, minerals and other essential or physiologically useful substances are considered to be nutrients in terms of nutritional labelling for foodstuffs.

Which products already require a declaration of nutritional values?

When a manufacturer indicates that the product has particular nutritional value properties on the packaging or in advertisements, or makes a health claim for the health value of the product in relation to its nutritional values, then the corresponding regulations on labelling must be complied with. In Switzerland, the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) from the 23rd of November 2005 applies to special foodstuffs.

These parameters are contained on commonly used foodstuff packaging

Nutritional labelling for foodstuffs “Big 5”

Calorific value
Protein 
Carbohydrates
Fat
Salt 
 

Nutritional labelling for foodstuffs “Big 7”

Calorific value
Fat
- of those, fatty acids
Carbohydrates
- of those, sugar
Protein
Salt
 

Nutritional labelling for foodstuffs “Big 8”

Calorific value
Protein
Carbohydrates
- of those, sugar
Fat
- of those, fatty acids 
Fibre 
Salt 

Our services in detail:

• Consultation on the analysis of foodstuffs
• Proteins and amino acids
• Total fat and fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Energy value
• Dietary fibre
• Inulin
• Sugar (Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Maltose, Lactose)
• Starch
• Water content
• Ash
• Table salt or sodium
• Vitamins
• Minerals / bulk and trace elements
• Additional services are according to the directory of services or upon request.