From:MHW Magazine

SATO, a leading global provider of Auto-ID solutions that empower workforces and streamline operations, has launched a new colour-coded label to help food retailers comply with upcoming EU labelling legislation. Displaying the latest traffic light design, the label enables consumers to visualise at a glance vital information about food products.

With Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers coming into force on 13th December 2016, European food retailers will be legally required to provide consumers with clear and detailed nutrition information. Labels will need to ensure improved legibility of information (minimum font size for mandatory information) and clearer and harmonised presentation of allergens for prepacked foods (in terms of font, style or background colour). They will also need to display key nutrition and origin information [1].

SATO’s new colour-coded labels will be available alongside the TH2 intelligent standalone and portable printer. Thanks to a user-friendly software, users can easily print labels detailing vital information such as ingredients, packaging date, use-by date, price and barcode.

An internal real-time clock quickly calculates and prints the time and date onto the traffic light labels, minimising human error and ensuring food safety. It also increases efficiencies while keeping hardware footprint to a minimum: no separate computer is needed as the printer contains its own programs and database that can be altered easily at any time.

“From independent bakers to large food chains, businesses will have to comply with the latest legislation,” comments Emma Male, New Business Development Manager of SATO. “With our TH2 printer we are ideally placed to provide a complete labelling solution that enables food retailers to quickly print colour-coded labels, minimising downtime and additional cost.”

1. http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/labelling_legislation/index_en.htm