The attention of the buyer to a particular product is often attracted by the label. And, unfortunately, few people know that its main purpose is to convey information about the product to the user. Ignorance of this leads to the purchase of an unnecessary or dangerous product.
In Russia, labels on products of any type were absent until the 19th century, and the product was presented by the seller, as they say, “face”. But with the introduction of certain rules for the release of a particular product, various GOSTs and TUs, the obligation to label, describe and indicate other necessary information about the subject of sale was also introduced.
Many unscrupulous manufacturers use their product labels as advertising to attract the attention of a potential buyer. However, there is no rush to indicate on it everything that is provided for by law. That is why everyone who goes to the store should be able to read the label and know what it should tell about.
General rules for labeling
There are legal rules for labeling any type of product, be it food, household appliances or clothing.
All manufacturers, without exception, are obliged to indicate on the label the address of the office where the directorate of the legal entity is located, the address where the production workshops or factories that produce the goods are located, and provide telephone numbers for communication. The official website and the method of Internet communication are indicated if available and at the request of the manufacturer, since this point has not yet been stipulated in the legislation.
In addition, the label must indicate what the product is made of, at what time and what is its shelf life or service life. If the product can be dangerous or there are any restrictions on its use, this information should also be conveyed to the consumer. Products manufactured outside of Russia must have a description in Russian.
What information should be on the food label
Particular attention should be paid to the design of food labels. In addition to advertising slogans and bright images, expiration dates must be indicated on it, they must be clear, without scuffs and erosion, and easy to read. A detailed list of substances that make up the product must be indicated, including food additives, dyes and preservatives. On semi-finished products, the manufacturer is obliged to describe how they are prepared, the recommended proportions and the cooking or roasting time.
What should be indicated on the labels of industrial products
The labels of garments should contain information about their dimensions, the fiber from which they are made. According to the rules of the legislation on consumer rights, the client must also receive recommendations for the care, washing and drying of the purchased item.
Household appliances should be labeled with the main parameters - energy consumption and dimensions. On the label of chemicals for the care of household items, clothing and home, it is indicated what precautions must be taken when working with it and how and where they can be used.
