Introduction
Food labelling in Malaysia is regulated to ensure consumers receive accurate information and can make informed choices. This guide combines the core rules from General Food Labelling, Labelling of Food Additives & Sweeteners, and Nutrition Labelling & Claims.
Food Labelling Guides
📋 Quick Checklist for Food Labels in Malaysia
✓ General Requirements
- Language: BM (mandatory for imported)
- Correct product name
- Beef/Pork/Alcohol declaration if applicable
- Manufacturer/importer details & COO
- Net weight / drained weight
- Date marking & storage instructions
✓ Ingredient List
- Descending order, common names
- Animal-based additives & allergens declared
- QUID % for highlighted ingredients
✓ Additives & Sweeteners
- Correct format (functional class + name/INS)
- Flavours labelled properly
- Aspartame / sweeteners: warnings added
- Additive sold alone: “For Food Use” + instructions
✓ Nutrition Panel
- Energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, total sugars, sodium
- Per 100g/ml & per serving
- Optional nutrients meet NRV rules
✓ Claims
- Nutrient content: meet numeric standards
- Nutrient comparative: 25% difference, comparison product identified
- Nutrient / other function: permitted list, minimum required level
- Enriched / added: meet criteria
- No prohibited claims included
Complete Guide to Food Labelling in Malaysia
What is a Food Label?
A food label is any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or descriptive matter written, stenciled, painted, embossed, attached to, or accompanying a food product.
Step 1: Mandatory Labelling Requirements
1. Language Requirements (Regulation 10)
Local Products:
- May use Bahasa Malaysia (BM) OR English
Imported Products:
- Must have Bahasa Malaysia (BM) or English
- BM translation sticker is allowed
- Sticker must be permanent, not removable, and cover original incorrect information if needed
Products that MUST be in Bahasa Malaysia ONLY:
Foods regulated under Regulations 84, 90, 91, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99
2. Product Name (Regulation 11(1)(a) & (b))
There are three types of product names:
2.1 Specified Name
The product name specified in regulation for products that meet specifications.
Example: Apple Fruit Drink
In the Food Regulations, beverages have specific definitions:
Example of proper product naming on food labels
| Label Name | Required Content |
|---|---|
| Fruit Juice | 100% juice (no added water) |
| Fruit Drink | Minimum % of real fruit juice (often 5-10% depending on fruit) |
| Fruit Cordial | Concentrated fruit drink + sugar |
2.2 Common Name
The name accepted by consumers without needing further explanation.
Example of common name labeling
2.3 Descriptive Name
For products without specific regulation and common name, describe the food and include common name of main ingredients.
Include words describing the true nature or physical condition:
Example of descriptive product naming
3. Prominent Label Display (Regulation 12(2))
Where:
On the main display panel (front-facing part of packaging)
Requirements:
- Easily readable with contrasting colors
- Not covered by seals, graphics, folds, or stickers
- No specific size requirement, but prominence must exceed or match other major texts
4. Compulsory Declarations (Regulation 11(1)(c) & (d))
Products must declare if they contain:
- Beef, pork, or lard: “CONTAINS BEEF / PORK / LARD”
- Alcohol: “CONTAINS ALCOHOL”
These declarations must be prominent and clearly visible.
Examples of proper “Contains” declarations
5. Ingredient List (Regulation 11(1)(e))
Requirements:
- List ingredients in descending order by weight
- Use common names
- Specify:
- Fat/oil origin → e.g., “Vegetable oil (Palm)”
- Animal-derived additives → state animal source
- Allergens → milk, egg, fish, nuts, wheat, soy
6. Quantitative Ingredient Declaration (QUID) (Regulation 11(1)(eb))
When Required:
If the ingredient is highlighted in the name or advertising
When NOT Required:
- Quantity already mandated by other rules
- Drained weight is shown (e.g., canned fruits)
- Ingredient used in tiny amounts for flavor
7. Edible Fat or Oil Labelling (Regulation 11(1)(f))
The common name of the animal or vegetable source must be labeled.
8. Animal-Derived Ingredients (Regulation 11(3))
Food containing ingredients or additives derived from animals must label the common name of such animal.
9. Net Weight (Regulation 11(1)(i))
Requirements:
- Show minimum net weight, volume, or number of contents
- Drained weight for liquid-packed foods
- Font size follows regulation standards
Examples of net weight and drained weight declarations
10. Manufacturer/Importer Details (Regulation 11(1)(j))
Must Include:
- Name & address of manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- For imported products: Country of origin
Country of Origin Rules:
- Only substantial transformation changes Country of Origin (COO)
- Substantial transformation means the country in which the food last underwent a treatment or process resulting in a substantial change in its nature
- Note: If you only pack, cut, or label it, the COO does NOT change
11. Font Size Requirements (Regulation 12)
| Font Size | Used For |
|---|---|
| 2 mm | Small packaging |
| 4 mm | Ingredient list, nutrition facts, additive statement, edible fat labeling, manufacturer/importer address and COO |
| 6 mm | Alcohol statements, date marking |
| 10 mm | Other information not mentioned above |
12. Date Marking (Regulation 14)
Acceptable Terms:
- EXP / TARIKH AKHIR
- BEST BEFORE / BAIK SEBELUM
- USE BY / GUNA SEBELUM
- CONSUME BY / CONS BY
Additional Requirement:
Include storage instructions if shelf life depends on storage
13. Exemptions (Regulation 17)
The following are exempt from certain labeling requirements:
- Returnable glass bottles
- Very small packages (<100 cm²)
- Bulk containers
Step 2: Probiotics, Additives & Claims
1. Probiotics (Regulation 26A)
Requirements:
- Only approved probiotics allowed
- Must remain alive: ≥1 million cfu/g or ml
- Label must include: quantity, genus, species, strain, storage instructions
- Mention if grown in animal media
2. Prohibited Claims (Regulation 18)
You CANNOT claim:
- Grading, quality, or superiority without approval
- Religious or spiritual benefits
- Medicated, tonic, or health claims (unless meeting legal requirements)
- “Free from” unless truly absent
3. Permitted Claims
Pure Claims
Allowed if meeting prescribed standards
Organic Claims
| Organic Content | Allowed Claim |
|---|---|
| 95-100% | “Organic” |
| 70-95% | “Produced with organic [ingredient]” + percentage |
| <70% | Mention only in ingredient list |
Other Permitted Claims:
- Nutritious Claims: Must meet NRV criteria
- Wholegrain Claims: 100% grains; Bread ≥60% wholegrain
- No Added Sugar/Salt Claims: Strict rules for ingredients and naturally occurring amounts
Step 3: Food Additives
Definition
A food additive is any SAFE substance that is intentionally added to food in SMALL quantities to affect the food’s characteristics.
Legal Requirements (Regulation 19)
Rules:
- Only permitted food additives can be used
- Must comply with:
- Malaysian Food Regulations 1985
- Codex Standards
- Written approval from the Director
How to Check Permitted Additives
- Identify the food commodity under Food Regulations 1985
- Cross-check with Food Commodity Standard and Codex Standard
- Visit: (FSQ Website)
- GSFA
- Codex Standards
- Choose related food category under GSFA and Commodity Standard
- Check maximum permitted levels for the additive
• Benzoyl peroxide in flour → max 75 mg/kg
• Sorbic acid in Tom Yum paste → max 1000 mg/kg
• Benzoic acid in fish snack → NOT permitted
Labeling Requirements
Label must include:
- Chemical name or International Numbering System (INS) number
- Functional class
- “For Food Use”
- Directions for use
- Special additives (Sulphites, Aspartame) require warnings
Step 4: Nutrition Labelling (Regulation 18B)
Definition
A list of nutrient levels of a product displayed on the food label, providing factual information about the nutritional content.
Benefits of Nutrition Labelling
- Effective communication tool
- International trade opportunities
- Enhanced product profile
- Encourages production of more nutritious products
Requirements
Mandatory Nutrients:
- Energy
- Protein
- Carbohydrate
- Total sugars
- Fat
- Sodium
Format:
Per 100g/ml AND Per Serving
Optional Nutrients:
Fiber, fatty acid breakdown, vitamins & minerals (must meet Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) rules)
Step 5: Nutrition & Health Claims (Regulations 18C-18F)
1. Nutrient Content Claim
Describes the level of a nutrient (e.g., “Low Fat”, “Sugar-Free”)
- Must meet strict numeric criteria
2. Nutrient Comparative Claim
Compares nutrient/energy between similar foods
Requirements:
- Minimum difference:
- Micronutrients: 10%
- Energy/nutrients: 25%
- Must identify comparison product
3. Nutrient Function Claim
Describes physiological role of nutrient
- Only from permitted list
4. Other Function Claim
Describes beneficial effect of other food components
- Must meet minimum amounts
This guide is based on Malaysian Food Regulations 1985. For specific cases or updates, always consult the official FSQ website or seek professional regulatory advice.