Food and beverages in the catering industry

In addition to hygiene regulations, there are also labeling regulations for food offered in catering and communal catering establishments to protect consumers.

In contrast to packaged foods, restaurants or canteens do not have to provide written information about the ingredients they contain, as this information can be passed on verbally. The following exceptions apply to this:

In the case of food and beverages sold loose, information must be provided on additives contained ("E-substances"). These additives must be indicated in restaurants on the food or beverage menu, in mass catering facilities on the menu, on price lists or in a written notice.

Labeling of genetically modified foods

The obligation to label genetically modified foods also applies to food service establishments.

If certain foods or beverages contain genetically modified ingredients, the operator of the restaurant must clearly display the words "made from genetically modified ... or similar in a clearly visible and legible manner in direct connection with the product (e.g. on the menu).

If a food or even an ingredient (for example, the blend of herbs on a pizza) has been irradiated (for example, to achieve a longer shelf life), this must be indicated by the words "irradiated" or "treated with ionizing radiation" on the menu after the name of the food or ingredient.

"Imitation cheese" or "analogous cheese" constitute products of their own kind and must be labeled with a descriptive sales name in which the indication "cheese" does not appear. In fact, the name "cheese" is reserved for a product made from curdled cheese milk.

Products in which milk components (such as fat and/or protein) are completely or partially replaced by other substances may not be called cheese. Imitation products are made essentially from egg whites and vegetable fats, thickeners, flavorings and colorings, some with milk ingredients, some entirely without. Compared to cheese, they are easier and less expensive to produce. They come in different varieties and flavors, sometimes in blocks, often sliced or grated. They can be mistaken for real cheese mainly because of their appearance and consistency. On the part of the manufacturers, the imitations are usually labeled with a proper sales description such as "food preparation made from skimmed milk and vegetable fat" and supplied to the catering industry. However, the correct labeling is often not observed there, so that the products are offered on menus or on price notices under the misleading name "cheese".

In the case of food and beverages sold in bulk, information must be provided on allergens contained. Allergens must be indicated on food and beverage menus or in price lists in restaurants and mass catering establishments. This information can also be provided by verbal information if a written record of the allergens is available.

 Allergen labeling of loose goodsExamples of PDF-File 254,73 kB allergen labeling PDF-File 111,05 kB

 Allergen labeling - template PDF-File 1,28 MB