The ISDI guidelines on Setting Tolerances for Nutrient Values Declared on Labels for Foods for Special Dietary Uses (FSDU) facilitates the understanding of label tolerances and establishes key principles in relation to products meeting the Codex Alimentarius definition of FSDU (for more information on FSDU, please refer to the ISDI FSDU brochure).

Manufacturers of general foods are not required to routinely declare vitamins and minerals on general food unless a nutrition and/or health claim is being made, whereas the declaration of the nutritional content is mandatory for FSDU. This adds a level of complexity which must be carefully managed in FSDU.

When considering nutrition labelling, tolerances are essential as it is not possible for FSDU to always contain the exact nutrient levels as labelled, due to elements of variability addressed in this brochure. However, the nutrient content of FSDU should not deviate substantially from the information on the label in order to avoid misleading consumers. Label tolerance is, therefore, to be considered as a balance between what is achievable under food good manufacturing practices, what will provide adequate nutrition at safe levels to the end user and what will not mislead consumers.

This brochure can be used as a support for food business manufacturers as an educational material (e.g. internal trainings) or as a background reference for discussions with national authorities. The brochure does not consider the specific regulations or guidelines on label tolerances for FSDU in each country, which would prevail, and should not be considered in isolation.

Download the Guidelines