KWID: when and how?

A product name or image on packaging often says something about one or more ingredients that the product contains. For some ingredients, you must state the percentage in order to properly inform consumers and enable them to compare products. This is called the quantitative ingredient declaration, or KWID. But when is it mandatory and when is it not? And how should it be stated?

When is the declaration of QID mandatory?

According to Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, the quantity of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients must be declared. Article 22 states that the declaration is mandatory when an ingredient or category of ingredients:

• appears in the name of the food or is usually associated with that name by consumers. Examples: chocolate ice cream, fruit tart or minced beef in chilli con carne.

• is prominent in words or images or as a graphic representation on the labelling. For example, the words “with cream” or an image of a cow to emphasise milk or butter.

• is essential to characterise a food and distinguish it from products with which it could be confused because of its name or appearance (e.g. egg yolk in “mayonnaise”).

When does KWID not need to be indicated?

Annex VIII, point 1, specifies the ingredients for which quantitative indication is not required:

• where the net drained weight is indicated in accordance with point 5 of Annex IX. For example, tuna in brine and pineapple in syrup. The quantity of the ingredient can be calculated on the basis of the net drained weight. If this is not possible, the exemption does not apply.

• whose quantity is already required to be indicated on the label under Union provisions. For example, fruit juices and fruit jams.

• which are added in small quantities to enhance the flavour. For example, garlic, herbs and spices.

• which, although present in the name of the food, is not such as to determine the consumer's choice in the country of sale because the varying quantity is not essential to characterise the food or distinguish it from similar foods. Examples include soy sauce and salt sticks.

In addition, KWID is not mandatory for foods consisting of only one ingredient, for non-prepackaged foods and for components that are naturally present in foods and are not added as ingredients. For example, caffeine in coffee.

How to indicate the KWID

Annex VIII, point 3 specifies where the quantity must be indicated:

• is expressed as a percentage corresponding to the quantity of the ingredient or ingredients at the time of use. (Calculated on the basis of the recipe at the time the ingredients are added)

• shall be indicated in or immediately adjacent to the name of the food or in the list of ingredients for the ingredient or category of ingredients in question.

It does not matter whether the percentage is stated before or after the ingredient, as long as there is no misunderstanding about the link between the ingredient and the percentage.

Point 4 of Annex VIII lists a number of further derogations. These relate, among other things, to foodstuffs which have undergone moisture loss during processing, such as biscuits and dried meat.

More information

The European Commission's “Communication on the application of the principle of quantitative ingredient declaration (KWID)” provides guidelines for interpreting and applying KWID. The communication provides examples to help understand the obligations relating to KWID.

Do you have questions about quantitative ingredient declaration or other questions about labelling? Our labelling specialists are happy to help you by answering your questions or performing a label check. Feel free to contact us.

Author: Sanne de Backer Labelling specialist