Labelling of Frozen Products – Rules and Best Practices for Retail Stores and HoReCa

Why correct labelling of frozen products matters

Labelling frozen products is not merely a bureaucratic formality – it is a legal obligation and, above all, a guarantee of food safety for your customers. Whether you manage a food shop, a supermarket or a HoReCa establishment, complying with labelling rules protects you both from sanctions by ANSVSA and ANPC and from serious risks to consumer health.

A correctly labelled frozen product conveys clear information about its origin, composition, storage conditions and expiry date – essential data that every buyer has the right to know.

The legal framework applicable in Romania

The labelling of frozen food products is governed primarily by:

• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers;
• Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin;
• Order No 1956/1995 and complementary national legislation on hygiene standards.

These legislative acts clearly establish what information is mandatory and in what format it must be presented on the packaging or applied label.

Mandatory information on the label of frozen products

Every frozen product placed on the market must bear a label that is legible, in Romanian, and includes at least the following elements:

• The name of the product – including the indication "frozen" or "frozen product";
• The list of ingredients, in descending order of proportion;
• The net quantity – expressed in grams or kilograms;
• The date of minimum durability – for frozen products, the indication "Best before…" or "Use by date" is used, as applicable;
• Storage conditions – for example, "Store at a minimum of -18 °C";
• Thawing and preparation instructions, where applicable;
• Country of origin – mandatory for meat, fish and certain other categories;
• Details of the manufacturer or importer;
• Nutritional value – in accordance with the standardised table.

Best practices in labelling and managing frozen stock

1. Apply the label before freezing, not after

A common mistake in HoReCa establishments is labelling products after thawing or even at the moment of serving. Internally portioned and frozen products must be labelled immediately after packaging, with the freezing date and the recommended consumption deadline.

2. Use the FIFO system

The "first in, first out" (FIFO) method is essential for managing frozen product stock. Always place older products at the front and newly arrived ones at the back, to avoid stock expiring.

3. Never refreeze thawed products

The label must clearly state whether the product has been frozen and whether it can be refrozen after thawing. As a general rule, refreezing an already thawed product is prohibited and must be explicitly communicated to the consumer.

4. Monitor the cold chain

Labels may be perfect, but if the storage temperature is not maintained, the quality of the product deteriorates. Freezers and chest freezers must constantly maintain a temperature of at least -18 °C. Equipment from the Modaco range – including the freezers and chest freezers in our portfolio – is calibrated to ensure the thermal stability required for a proper cold chain.

Storage and display of frozen products – the role of refrigeration equipment

Beyond labelling, the way frozen products are stored and displayed has a decisive influence on their quality and compliance. An overloaded freezer or one with a faulty door can cause temperature fluctuations that effectively nullify all efforts towards correct labelling.

Modaco offers a wide range of commercial refrigeration equipment for retail stores and HoReCa: chest freezers, upright freezers, refrigerated cabinets and workbenches, cold rooms – all imported and available in stock or to order. In-stock products can be delivered within 24–48 hours, while items brought in to order are delivered within 15–25 working days. Delivery costs are calculated at checkout. If you prefer, you can collect the equipment directly from the Modaco warehouse in Găești, Strada Libertății 15, by prior appointment.

For establishments that also work with fresh meat, Modaco's ventilated display fridges allow temperature adjustment between 0 and +8 °C – for fresh meat, the temperature is set to 0/+2 °C, ensuring optimal display conditions without compromising product quality.

Penalties for non-compliant labelling

Failure to comply with labelling rules can result in substantial fines from ANSVSA and ANPC, product withdrawal from the market and, in serious cases, suspension of operations. It is not worth risking your business over oversights that can easily be avoided with a clear internal protocol and reliable refrigeration equipment.

Conclusion and call to action

Correct labelling of frozen products is a fundamental element of food safety and respect for customers. Always combine compliant labelling with storage at correct temperatures and quality refrigeration equipment.

If you need advice on choosing the most suitable refrigeration equipment for your business, the Modaco team is at your disposal. Call now on 0727.324.787 and get all the information you need.