Food Labeling Assistant
Tools to assist businesses in labeling food to comply 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 in EU food labeling
Overcoming labeling regulation barriers for export to the EU
The EU Regulation 1169/2011 consolidates all the complex regulations related to food labeling in the EU. After this regulation came into effect on December 16, 2016, compliance with food labeling in the EU has been enforced much more strictly for imported food compared to before.
The imported goods from Vietnam are highly likely to be rejected due to improper labeling. In fact, about 40% of goods are rejected in the EU due to incorrect labeling, with approximately 30% of recalls caused by undeclared allergens. The direct costs of product recalls can be quite expensive for businesses. In addition to the direct financial impact of product recalls, the indirect effects 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 to Consumers Regulation is considered a violation of the law.
AI application in labeling guidance
The objective of the project
- Eliminate labeling barriers for food exports to the EU market through interactive AI application guidelines.
- In addition to physical labeling, the project also aims to promote the use of electronic labeling through QR codes and Data Matrix in accordance with international standards.
- Develop small and medium-sized enterprise pilot models for labeling in accordance with EU regulations through training and in-depth support.
What are the main products of the project?
Main milestones for the product
- 7/2025: Food Labeling Guidebook
- 7/2025: Electronic Labeling Guidebook
- 9/2025: Labeling tool and digital assistant guide
- 10/2025: Training and Application Guidance
Do you want to join us?
Sign up now to receive support
- Small and medium-sized enterprises that need training and consulting on food labeling for export can register here to receive support.
- A maximum of 30 businesses will be selected on a first come, first served basis.
- Export consulting units that need training on consulting for labeling of exported agricultural products can register here to receive support..
- A maximum of 3 consulting units will be selected on a first come, first served basis.
- The provider of QR and Data Matrix electronic label solutions has a need for training and consulting on standardizing solutions for the EU market. Please register here to receive support.
- A maximum of 3 providers of electronic labeling solutions will be selected on a first come, first served basis.