The food label is the information printed on a pack: name, ingredients, weight, dates and the responsible party. Reading it before buying is useful for consumers and retailers alike. This guide explains, in general terms, the main items you can expect on packaged food in Syria.
This article is general awareness, not legal advice. The official reference is the applicable Syrian legislation and standards.
1. Arabic language
Food labels on the Syrian market are usually expected to be in Arabic, and another language may be added alongside it.
2. Product name
Look for the name that actually describes the product, not just the brand. The brand tells you who sells it; the product name tells you what you are buying.
3. Ingredients and additives
Ingredients are usually listed in descending order by weight. Additives such as colors, flavorings and preservatives are named or listed by code. If you avoid a certain ingredient, read this list first.
4. Net weight
The weight of the product without the pack, usually written as a number then the unit, such as "50 g", often on the front. Tottibone's Strawberry + Pineapple Mix bag, for example, is 50 g net.
5. Dates and batch number
Production and expiry dates
The expiry date is expected to be written clearly and legibly.
Batch number
Identifies the quantity packed in one run, which matters when a specific batch needs to be traced. Dates and batch numbers are often printed in a dedicated box because they change from batch to batch.
6. Packer or manufacturer and registration number
You should expect to find the name and address of the responsible party, which may be the manufacturer or the packer. Tottibone product pages, such as Jelly Bon Pineapple, state: "Packed by: Tottibone Food Industries and Packaging Company, Homs, Syria".
7. Country of origin
Shows where the product was made. In re-packed products, it may differ from the place of packing, and each is stated separately.
8. Storage and use
Such as keeping in a dry place away from heat, or preparation instructions if needed.
FAQ
Is a barcode mandatory on every pack? We do not give a legal opinion on this here. Barcodes are common in practice in retail chains; the official authorities are the reference on whether they are required.
What if the label is incomplete or illegible? Do not buy the product, or ask the seller about its source. Consumer protection authorities can be consulted when in doubt.
Discover Tottibone products
Ingredients and dates are printed on the back of every Tottibone bag. Learn more on the Tottibone website.
