Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, mandatory food information must be printed with an x-height of at least 1.2 mm. Where the largest surface of the packaging is less than 80 cm², the minimum is 0.9 mm. On packs whose largest surface is under 10 cm², only some particulars are mandatory on the pack (name, allergens, net quantity, date), with the ingredients provided by other means. Allergens must be emphasised in the ingredients list, and name, net quantity and, for drinks over 1.2% alcohol, the alcoholic strength must appear in the same field of vision.
- The x-height is the height of the lowercase letter x, not the point size.
- The 80 cm² threshold refers to the largest surface of the packaging, not the label.
- Allergens must stand out in the ingredients list (typeface, style or background).
- Multi-language labels consume space fast: plan languages before design.
- When text does not fit, consider a larger label or a multi-layer booklet label.
The rules in one table
| Rule | Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum x-height | 1.2 mm for mandatory particulars | Art. 13(2), Annex IV |
| Small packaging | 0.9 mm if the largest surface is under 80 cm² | Art. 13(3) |
| Very small packaging | Under 10 cm²: name, allergens, net quantity and date on the pack; ingredients by other means | Art. 16(2) |
| Same field of vision | Name of the food, net quantity and, for drinks over 1.2% vol., alcoholic strength | Art. 13(5) |
| Allergens | Emphasised in the ingredients list | Art. 21 |
| Language | Easily understood by consumers where the food is sold; Member States may require official languages | Art. 15 |
What x-height means in practice
The x-height is measured on the lowercase x, from the baseline to the top of the letter. Two fonts at the same point size can have very different x-heights: condensed or small-eyed typefaces need a larger point size to reach 1.2 mm. Check the x-height on the printed proof, not only in the design file.
Legibility beyond size
The regulation also expects information to be clearly legible: contrast between text and background, line spacing and the material all count. Fine text on metallised film, over heavy texture or under glossy varnish can lose legibility even at the right size. Discuss it with the label supplier early; see premium finishes compared.
When everything does not fit
- Reduce the number of languages per label and create market versions instead; digital printing makes versions inexpensive.
- Use a larger label or an additional back label.
- Use a multi-layer booklet label for multi-language text.
- Plan regulatory text before the design, as described in how to develop a new label.
Need help fitting the text?
Send your artwork and container through the specialist contact form. See also food labels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum font size on EU food labels?
An x-height of at least 1.2 mm for mandatory particulars, or 0.9 mm when the largest surface of the packaging is under 80 cm².
Is the 80 cm² rule about the label or the package?
About the largest surface of the packaging or container, not the size of the label.
How must allergens be shown on a food label?
Emphasised in the ingredients list through typeface, style or background colour so they stand out from the other ingredients.
What if mandatory text in several languages does not fit?
Options include fewer languages per version, a larger or additional label, or a multi-layer booklet label.
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers — EUR-Lex
- European Commission — Language and presentation of food information
This guide summarises public sources for information. It is not legal advice: check the official text and your own regulatory advisers.