How to Correctly Translate Nutrition Information and Product Labels

The Importance of Accurate Label Translations

When it comes to food, beverages, and other consumable products, labels serve as a primary source of information for consumers. Inaccurate translations can lead to misunderstandings about a product’s contents, nutritional value, or usage instructions, which can cause harm to consumers or lead to legal issues for manufacturers.

Furthermore, many countries have strict regulations governing what must be included on product labels. For example, the UK has specific requirements for the presentation of nutritional information, allergens, ingredient lists, and serving sizes. Similarly, Brazil has its own labelling regulations that must be followed for products sold in the country.

Accurate translation ensures that consumers receive clear and reliable information while helping businesses stay compliant with international labelling standards.

Key Components to Consider When Translating Product Labels

When translating product labels, several key components must be considered to ensure both regulatory compliance and clarity for consumers:

1. Nutritional Information

The nutritional facts panel is one of the most important parts of any food or beverage label. It provides consumers with information about the calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients contained in the product. The format and specific nutrients that must be listed vary by country, so it’s essential to adapt this information for the target market.

For example, the UK requires nutrition information per 100g or 100ml, along with portions per serving, while other countries might have different presentation standards. The translation must reflect these requirements accurately, ensuring that all figures are correctly converted and displayed according to local guidelines.

2. Ingredient Lists

Ingredients are typically listed in descending order of quantity, and they must be translated precisely to avoid any misunderstanding. Ingredients that may be common in one culture might be unfamiliar or have different names in another language. In addition, specific terminology is required for certain ingredients—such as food additives or preservatives—based on the country’s regulations.

For example, an ingredient like “sodium bicarbonate” may be listed differently depending on the language and regional preferences. A professional translator familiar with the food industry ensures that the terms used are correct and widely understood in the target market.

3. Allergen Warnings

Allergen warnings are a critical part of any product label, particularly in the food and cosmetics industries. Allergens such as peanuts, shellfish, gluten, or dairy must be clearly marked, as required by law in many countries. Mistranslating or omitting an allergen warning can lead to serious health risks for consumers, as well as legal liabilities for manufacturers.

Ensuring that these warnings are translated accurately is essential to protect consumers and prevent potential legal challenges.

4. Serving Size and Portion Information

Portion sizes vary from one country to another, and this can affect how nutrition information is presented on the label. When translating, it’s important to adapt serving sizes to the conventions of the target market. What might be considered a “serving” in one country may be different elsewhere, and this affects how nutritional values are calculated and displayed.

5. Product Usage Instructions

In addition to nutritional information, many products include usage instructions or storage recommendations. These must be translated in a way that makes sense to the target audience and follows local conventions. For example, temperature measurements may need to be converted from Fahrenheit to Celsius, and cooking instructions must be adapted to align with local practices.

6. Regulatory Compliance

Each country has specific laws governing the information that must appear on product labels, from nutritional information to health claims. Translators must be familiar with these regulations to ensure that the translated label complies with local laws. Failure to do so can result in fines, product recalls, or even a ban on selling the product in the target country.

The Role of Cultural Sensitivity in Label Translation

Beyond accuracy, cultural sensitivity is key when translating product labels. Certain symbols, colours, or terms that are acceptable in one culture may carry different meanings or connotations in another. For instance, the colour red may symbolize freshness and health in one region, but it could be associated with warnings or danger elsewhere. The translator must ensure that both the language and visual elements of the label resonate positively with the target audience.

ANZ Translation UK: Your Partner in Product Label Translation

At ANZ Translation UK, we understand the complexities involved in translating nutrition information and product labels. Our team of expert translators is well-versed in food, beverage, cosmetic, and supplement regulations across various countries, ensuring that your product labels are accurate, compliant, and tailored to your target market.

We provide certified translations that help your products meet legal requirements and resonate with local consumers. Whether you need to translate your product labels into English for the UK market or into another language for international expansion, ANZ Translation UK is here to help. Our translators not only understand the language, but also the regulatory and cultural nuances that are crucial for successful product labelling.

With ANZ Translation UK, you can be confident that your product labels will be translated with precision and professionalism, allowing you to expand your market and build trust with consumers worldwide.

Contact us today for your product label translation needs and ensure that your products are compliant, accurate, and ready for international success!