Yes, if you sell supplements in the EU, you will need to take into account stricter labelling requirements in 2026, particularly regarding allergen information. The revised EU allergen legislation imposes stricter requirements on the listing and presentation of allergens on food labels, including those on supplements. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about exactly what is changing, who it applies to, and how you can update your labels efficiently.
What changes will be made to EU rules on supplement labelling in 2026?
The most significant change in 2026 concerns the stricter application of EU allergen legislation based on Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Although the basic rules have been in force for some time, enforcement and the requirements for the visual labelling of allergens will be further tightened in 2026. Allergens must be clearly distinguished from the rest of the list of ingredients, for example by using bold type or a different colour.
In addition to allergen legislation, there will also be broader developments in the field of food information in 2026. The European Commission is working on further harmonisation of labelling rules for food supplements, with increasing focus on aspects such as legibility, mandatory information and digital labelling. For brands operating in several EU countries, it is particularly important to keep track of which national additions to the basic European rules apply, as some Member States impose additional requirements on top of the European minimum standards.
The crux of the change in 2026 is therefore not so much a completely new law, but stricter enforcement and an extension of existing obligations. Those whose labelling is already largely in order may need to make fewer changes than expected. However, those who have not fully complied with allergen legislation to date now face a greater risk.
Do the new labelling rules apply to all types of supplements?
Yes, the stricter labelling rules apply, in principle, to all food supplements placed on the market in the EU, regardless of their form or category. Whether it’s protein powders, pre-workout supplements, meal replacements, collagen blends or functional health supplements: if the product contains ingredients that fall within the scope of the fourteen recognised allergens under EU allergen legislation, this must be clearly stated on the label.
There are, however, some nuances. Products supplied exclusively for professional use or as bulk products may be subject to different labelling rules. However, for retail products sold directly to consumers, the full labelling requirements apply without exception. The fourteen mandatory allergens include gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, soya, nuts, fish, crustaceans and shellfish, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, lupin, molluscs and sulphur dioxide.
For supplements based on plant-based proteins, such as pea protein or rice protein, it is important to also scrutinise cross-contamination and “may contain” labelling. Allergen legislation has a direct impact on production practices and the layout of your production environment.
What specific information must appear on a supplement label after January 2026?
After January 2026, a supplementary label must contain at least the following mandatory elements, in accordance with the applicable EU regulations on food information and allergen legislation:
- Product name and a clear description of the product
- List of ingredients with allergens highlighted (in bold, italics or underlined)
- Net quantity by weight or volume
- Nutritional Information Table per 100 g and per recommended portion
- Instructions for use and recommended dosage
- Warnings, such as “not suitable for children” or “do not exceed the recommended daily intake”
- Use-by date (THT or TGT)
- Name and address from the manufacturer or importer
- Country of origin where required or relevant
- Lot number for traceability
The visual highlighting of allergens is where many existing labels fall short. It is not enough simply to list allergens in the ingredients list: they must also be graphically distinguished from the other ingredients. You should therefore check not only the content of your label, but also its layout.
How do you adapt existing private-label labels without starting from scratch?
Adapting existing private-label labels does not necessarily mean you have to start from scratch. In most cases, a targeted revision of the current layout is sufficient, involving correcting the allergen labelling, adding any missing mandatory information and improving readability. As long as the basic structure of your label is sound, an update is much more efficient than a completely new design.
A practical approach is to start with a labelling audit. Systematically review all current labels and check them against the mandatory requirements set out in the allergen legislation and the broader EU Food Information Regulation. For each label, note down the changes required and prioritise them based on risk: products containing allergens that are not correctly labelled are the most urgent.
You should then work with your production partner – and, if necessary, a specialist consultant – on the revision. A good production partner can help you draw up accurate product specifications and coordinate the printing process. Also bear in mind the lead time: the process from design to approved printwork and production can easily take several months.
What are the consequences if you don’t update your labels in time?
If your labels do not comply with the applicable allergen legislation and EU labelling requirements, you risk enforcement action from national food authorities, such as the NVWA in the Netherlands. These can range from a warning or a fine to a mandatory product recall. Product recalls are costly and damaging to your brand’s reputation.
In addition to the direct legal risks, there are also commercial implications. Retailers and distributors, particularly in the supermarket sector, are imposing increasingly stringent procurement requirements regarding labelling compliance. A product that does not meet the legal requirements may be rejected or removed from the product range. Furthermore, for brands operating in several EU countries, each Member State has its own enforcement mechanisms.
The greatest risk, however, lies with products containing unlabelled allergens. If a consumer suffers an allergic reaction due to an allergen that was not correctly listed on the label, this may lead to liability claims. Allergen legislation is partly intended to protect consumers with allergies, and the courts take this very seriously.
When is it a good idea to combine a label update with a rebrand?
A mandatory label update is an excellent opportunity to review your visual identity as well, provided you have strategic reasons for doing so. If you’re having all your printed materials reprinted anyway, the additional costs of a new layout are relatively modest compared to a standalone rebranding project. Combining these elements saves time, money and reduces logistical complexity.
It is a good idea to consider a rebrand if one or more of the following conditions are met:
- Your current label no longer aligns with your brand’s positioning or your target audience
- You want to introduce new product categories or flavours and establish a consistent range
- You are going to enter new markets, such as another EU Member State, where the language requirements on the label will also need to be adapted
- Your current label meets the minimum requirements but scores poorly in terms of readability or brand perception
- You have received feedback from retailers or consumers about the appearance of your packaging
If your label is already correct in terms of content and only the allergen labelling needs to be updated, a full rebrand is probably not necessary. In that case, a targeted update will suffice. However, if you’re already having second thoughts about your brand’s image, a mandatory label revision is the perfect opportunity to take that step.
How MixMasters helps with label compliance and supplement development
We understand that label compliance is a time-consuming and complex process for many brands, particularly if you have multiple products or operate in several EU countries. That is why, as a full-service manufacturing partner, we offer not only production and formulation development, but also support with the regulatory aspects of your labels.
- Food Safety Plan and HACCP: In collaboration with specialist consultants, we draw up a food safety plan tailored specifically to your product range, including accurate product information on the label.
- BRCGS certification: Our production complies with the BRCGS standard, which assesses areas including allergen management, traceability and regulatory compliance. This provides you, as a brand owner, with added assurance.
- Label support: We can advise you on the legally required information, the presentation of allergens and the coordination of printed materials, so that you don’t face any surprises when launching a product or updating a label.
- Fast turnaround time: From concept to finished product, the process takes us an average of 4 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the project.
Would you like to know how we can help you ensure your labels are compliant or launch a new product? Take a look at our services for private-label supplements or Please contact us directly for a no-obligation chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create a separate label for each EU country?
Not necessarily, but you do need to bear in mind that some Member States impose additional national requirements on top of the basic EU rules, such as mandatory translations or extra warning texts. A practical solution is a multilingual label that combines all the mandatory information in the relevant languages, provided that legibility and the minimum font size are maintained. Before giving final approval to the printed material, check for any national additions that may apply in each target market.
What is the difference between mandatory allergen labelling and a 'may contain' warning?
Een verplichte allergenenvermelding geldt wanneer een allergeen daadwerkelijk als ingrediënt in het product zit en moet visueel benadrukt worden in de ingrediëntenlijst, bijvoorbeeld in vette letters. Een ‘may contain’-waarschuwing (ook wel kruisbesmettingswaarschuwing) is technisch gezien vrijwillig, maar sterk aanbevolen wanneer er een reëel risico op kruisbesmetting bestaat tijdens de productie. Let op: een ‘may contain’-vermelding vervangt nooit een verplichte allergenenvermelding en mag niet gebruikt worden als vervanging voor adequate allergenenbeheersingspraktijken in de productieomgeving.
How far in advance do I need to start updating my labels to meet the 2026 deadline?
Allow at least three to six months for the entire process, from the label audit to approved printwork and production. If you also wish to carry out a partial rebrand or a change to the formulation, this could take up to six to nine months. It is advisable to start a label audit by the summer of 2025 at the latest, so that you have sufficient leeway to cope with any unexpected delays at the printers, during approval procedures or in communication with suppliers.
Do the stricter allergen regulations also apply to supplements that I sell online, or only to those sold in-store?
De EU-allergenenwetgeving en de verplichte labelregels gelden voor alle verkoopkanalen, inclusief webshops en online marktplaatsen. Bij online verkoop geldt bovendien dat verplichte voedselinformatie, waaronder allergeneninformatie, al beschikbaar moet zijn vóór de aankoop wordt afgerond, niet pas op de verpakking die de consument ontvangt. Dit betekent dat je productpagina’s en webshopbeschrijvingen eveneens up-to-date en compliant moeten zijn.
What should I do if my current supplier or manufacturing partner is unable to provide accurate allergen information?
Als je productiepartner geen volledige en gedocumenteerde allergeninformatie kan leveren, is dit een serieus risico voor zowel je labelcompliance als je productaansprakelijkheid. Vraag altijd om een officiële productspecificatie of technisch datasheet per ingrediënt, inclusief kruisbesmettingsrisico’s vanuit de productieomgeving. Kan of wil je huidige partner dit niet leveren, overweeg dan te schakelen naar een gecertificeerde productiepartner met aantoonbaar allergenenbeheer, zoals een BRCGS-gecertificeerde faciliteit.
Does digital labelling, such as a QR code, count as a substitute for mandatory information on the physical packaging?
No, under current EU regulations, digital labelling via a QR code may not replace the mandatory information on the physical packaging. The European Commission is, however, investigating the possibilities for digital labels as a supplement, but key information such as allergen information, the list of ingredients and the use-by date must always be clearly legible on the packaging itself. Keep an eye on developments regarding the Farm-to-Fork Strategy and the revision of the Food Information Regulation, as changes may be introduced in the coming years.
Will I still be able to use up my existing stock of labels after the new requirements come into force in 2026?
In principe geldt dat producten die vóór de ingangsdatum rechtmatig in de handel zijn gebracht, nog tot hun houdbaarheidsdatum mogen worden verkocht. Dit wordt ook wel de ‘sell-through’-regel genoemd. Het is echter sterk afhankelijk van de specifieke overgangsbepalingen die bij de regelgeving worden vastgesteld, en van het handhavingsbeleid van de nationale autoriteiten in jouw markt. Laat je hierover tijdig adviseren door een juridisch of regulatory consultant, zodat je weet welke risico’s je loopt bij het uitverkopen van bestaande voorraad.
Related Articles
- Waarom kiezen steeds meer merken voor poedervormige beauty supplementen in plaats van capsules?
- Hoe ondersteunen zink en biotine een gezonde huid?
- What are the best alternatives to whey protein? MPC and vegan proteins explained
- 7 ways to reduce the cost of protein powder without losing quality
- How much cheaper is vegan protein compared to whey?
English 
Dutch 
German 
French