PPDS guide
PPDS labelling requirements: what to check before selling.
PPDS labelling applies to food packed before a customer selects it, where the official guidance says the pack needs a name and a full ingredient list. Natasha’s Law is the UK rule behind that list, with allergens emphasised, and the finished pack still has to be checked against the recipe.
Start with the selling arrangement
PPDS concerns food packaged before the consumer orders or selects it, under the conditions set out in the official guidance. Food sold loose, packed after an order or prepacked for sale through another business can be treated differently.
Check the full ingredient information
Build the list from the actual recipe and current supplier information. Ingredients are generally listed in descending weight order at the time of manufacture. Compound ingredients may need their own ingredients included.
Emphasise allergens within the list
Regulated allergens present in the food need emphasis in the ingredient list. A separate contains line or a menu matrix does not replace the required ingredient list.
Review the physical pack label
Print a sample using the actual stock and check the item, list, emphasis and fitting before labelling the batch.
| Review point | Practical check |
|---|---|
| Product identity | Does this label belong to this actual recipe and pack? |
| Ingredient list | Have supplier products and compound ingredients been included? |
| Allergens | Does emphasis appear where the relevant ingredients are listed? |
| Readability | Can the full label be read on the finished pack? |
Use software to repeat the reviewed layout
InstaLabel uses saved ingredient information to create PPDS layouts with allergen emphasis. It does not verify your recipe or guarantee compliance. Review the source records, preview and final print before sale.