It is obligatory that the manufacturer of any product correctly and clearly labels the product so that the consumer knows exactly what they are buying and what sorts of ingredients or materials are contained inside.

If a manufacturer fails to do this, they face landing themselves in trouble with Trading Standards or having a product liability claim made against them. 

However, some terms on labels that describe products can still be quite ambiguous. This is particularly true when it comes to food products. The Food Standards Agency is constantly trying to crack down on mislabelling or inadequate labelling though, to ensure the safety of anyone with allergies. 

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online. 

Food Labelling and the Law

The Food Labelling Amendment Regulations state that ingredients, especially those that can trigger allergic reactions in pre-packaged food and alcoholic drinks, should use easily understandable and effective labelling. 

Due to the possibility of someone suffering an allergic reaction which could cause serious distress and harm or even death, the importance of food labels being accurate is incredibly serious. Allergies and intolerances are becoming more widespread as we increase the quantity of processed foods that we consume. Specifically, intolerances to dairy and wheat products are increasingly common as our bodies are unable to process such foods. 

Food intolerances can cause stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea and constipation as well as other issues. People that suffer these symptoms as a result of consuming foods which they were not aware contained products they were intolerant too may have good grounds for making a product liability claim. 

The following terms listed below are regularly displayed on food labels. It is against the law for a producer or manufacturer to advertise their products with any of these terms if the product does not actually fit the relevant criteria. 

• Vegan: a product that does not contain any animal products such as meat, fish, dairy or animal derived products like leather and silk.
• Organic: the producers, manufacturers and processors of the food are registered and meet stringent standards and the product has a European Certifying Authority code number.
• Fair Trade: these are products which guarantee that the farmers who produced them receive fair prices for their labour. Products which are often fair trade include coffee, bananas and chocolate.
• Freedom Food: This label refers to products which have been reared, transported and slaughtered in accordance to welfare standards complied by the RSPCA.
• Little Red Tractor: This refers to products from a farmer or grower who has been measured against strict production standards.

I have today received the cheque for £11,500 for which together with the other monies obtained by you on my behalf I shall be eternally grateful. Please accept my sincere thanks for all you have achieved for me in what has been a very trying time. You have taken a lot of the stress out of what has been very stressful for me by your very professional approach. Best regards to you for the future and our heartfelt thanks.

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How Much Compensation for Misleading Product Claims?

The amount of compensation that could be awarded is dependent upon additional factors like the seriousness of the illness caused by your food intolerance reaction or allergy. Additional costs related to this incident such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work will also be counted. For example, if you experienced a minor case of food poisoning you could be awarded compensation anywhere from £700-£3,000. 

However, if your food poisoning was severe, the worst level meaning that it lasted for more than ten days with certain symptoms possibly lasting for up to a year, then you could be awarded between £29,000-£39,000. 

Find out more on our compensation calculator page.

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice.

Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online.