Digital Assistant for Food Labelling
Digital tool to help businesses label food products to ensure compliance with European Union regulations.
The food labeling project in the SwissTrade Vietnam program is funded by Seco Switzerland, in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade), Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The labeling project is implemented by the RIDE Institute in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), Switzerland.
The project implementation period is from 4/2025 to 4/2026.
Complex requirements for labelling food products in the EU
Overcoming labeling regulatory barriers to export to the EU
EU Regulation 1169/2011 consolidates all the various EU food labelling regulations. After this regulation came into force on 16 December 2016, food labelling compliance in the EU is much more strictly enforced for imported food than before.
Imports from Vietnam are highly likely to be rejected due to incorrect labelling. In fact, around 40% of EU rejections are due to incorrect labelling, with around 30% of recalls due to undeclared allergens. The direct costs of product recalls are quite high for businesses. In addition to the direct financial impact of a product recall, the indirect impacts can be even more costly. The financial penalties for non-compliance with food safety laws are unlimited.
Providing misleading or inaccurate allergen information that does not comply with the requirements of the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation is considered a legal offence.
AI Applications in Labeling Instructions
Project Objectives
- Remove labelling hurdles for food exports to the EU market with an interactive AI-powered guide.
- In addition to physical labeling, the project also aims to promote the use of electronic labeling using QR and Data Matrix in accordance with international standards.
- Building SME pilot models on EU-compliant labelling through intensive training and support.
What are the main deliverables of the project?
Key milestones
- 7/2025: Food labeling guidebook
- 7/2025: Electronic labeling guidebook
- 9/2025: Label generator and digital assistant guide
- 10/2025: Training and implementation guidance
Want to join us?
Sign up now to receive support
- SMEs in need of training and consulting on food labeling for export can register here to receive support.
- Up to 30 businesses will be selected on a first come first served basis.
- Export consultants in need of training in export food labeling consultancy can register here to receive support.
- Up to 3 BSOs will be selected on a first come first served basis..
- QR and Data Matrix electronic label solution providers who need training and consulting on standardizing solutions for the EU market can register here to receive support.
- Up to 3 e-label solution providers will be selected on a first come first served basis.
