Food labelling and consumer protection: the mandatory and voluntary information on food labels (name, ingredients, allergens, nutrition declaration, date marking, storage and origin); front-of-pack labelling; the purpose of consumer-protection and food-safety legislation; and how labelling helps consumers make informed choices.

A 6-mark answer needs several mandatory items, each with how it helps the consumer.

The label must show the name of the food, so the consumer knows what it is, and a list of ingredients in descending order of weight, so they can see what it contains and the main ingredients.

Allergens (such as nuts, milk, egg, gluten) must be emphasised in the ingredients list, so people with an allergy or intolerance can avoid harmful foods. A nutrition declaration (energy, fat, saturates, sugars, salt and protein, usually per 100 g) lets consumers compare products and manage their diet.

Date marking (a use-by date for high-risk foods or a best-before date for others) tells the consumer how long the food is safe or at its best, and storage instructions plus net quantity help them store it correctly and judge value.

Markers reward each correct item paired with its benefit, for example (1) name identifies the food, (2) ingredients show contents, (3) allergens let allergic consumers avoid harm, (4) nutrition declaration allows comparison and dietary control, (5) date marking shows safety or quality, and (6) storage instructions ensure safe keeping.

A 4-mark answer needs both definitions and the safety reason.

A use-by date is about safety. It is used on highly perishable foods, such as fresh meat, fish and chilled ready meals, which may become unsafe to eat after the date even if they look and smell fine, because harmful micro-organisms may have grown. Such foods should not be eaten after the use-by date.

A best-before date is about quality, not safety. After this date a food, such as biscuits or tinned goods, may lose flavour, texture or appearance but is generally still safe to eat.

The distinction matters because confusing them either risks food poisoning (if a use-by date is ignored) or causes unnecessary food waste (if good food is thrown away after a best-before date).

Markers reward (1) use-by is a safety date for perishable foods, (2) best-before is a quality date, (3) eating food past its use-by date risks food poisoning, and (4) the distinction reduces both risk and waste.