Food labelling in focus: a transnational analysis of chilled ready-to-eat products in the EU, the Western Balkans and Turkey

Key findings from this study

This research indicates that:

• Storage temperature recommendations for chilled ready-to-eat products vary from +4 °C to +12 °C across European jurisdictions, creating potential consumer confusion.
• Products in southern European countries (Portugal, Spain) predominantly use 'Best before' dates for more stable formulations, while French and Turkish products primarily employ 'Use by' dates for more perishable items.
• Date labelling practices reflect microbiological safety profiles and quality stability distinctions rather than uniform regulatory harmonization across the examined regions.

Overview

Transnational examination of food safety labelling practices across ten European countries, assessing compliance and consistency in date marking and storage guidance for chilled ready-to-eat products.

Methods and approach

Researchers collected data from 2665 food labels via in-store observation and online resources between May and September 2023, spanning six EU member states and four non-EU countries. Analysis compared date label types, recommended storage temperatures, and secondary shelf life information. Cluster analysis classified products into two groups based on labelling patterns.

Results

Labels predominantly displayed either 'Use by' or 'Best before' designations, with the former indicating microbiological safety and the latter indicating quality stability. Geographic clustering revealed distinct patterns: Cluster 1, concentrated in Portugal and Spain, contained more stable products bearing 'Best before' labels. Cluster 2, dominated by French and Turkish labels, comprised more perishable foods marked with 'Use by' dates.

Recommended storage temperatures ranged from +4 °C to +12 °C across sampled products, suggesting inconsistency in labelling standards across jurisdictions. This variation creates potential ambiguity for consumers regarding appropriate storage conditions. The analysis identified systematic differences in labelling practices corresponding to product stability profiles and geographic origin.

Implications

Inconsistent storage temperature recommendations across countries present a harmonization challenge for retailers operating in multiple European markets. Variations in temperature guidance may compromise food safety if consumers apply storage practices based on geographic purchase location rather than label specifications. Regulatory bodies should examine whether current transnational labelling frameworks adequately address safety risks posed by temperature variation.

The identified clustering patterns suggest that product stability characteristics, rather than regulatory jurisdiction alone, drive labelling decisions. However, the overlap of date label types with perishability profiles indicates potential alignment between industry practice and microbiological risk. Future standardization efforts should balance regulatory consistency with product-specific safety requirements.

Scope and limitations

This summary is based on the study abstract and available metadata. It does not include a full analysis of the complete paper, supplementary materials, or underlying datasets unless explicitly stated. Findings should be interpreted in the context of the original publication.