Starting January 2028, food products must clearly label any allergens or substances that cause intolerance in the ingredient list. This labeling must be done in a way that makes these items stand out from the other ingredients.
A new food labeling law from the National Food Service at the Ministry of Health will begin on January 1, 2028. This law aims to simplify requirements for food businesses while keeping public health safe. It includes a list of allergens and intolerances that must be highlighted in the ingredient list. The goal is to make these allergens easily noticeable and ensure they are named consistently. Food businesses can choose how to highlight these allergens. There will also be new guidelines for labeling “gluten” and “fava beans” in products.
All food products sold in Israel must follow this new labeling standard starting in January 2028. However, some food businesses that meet specific conditions can start using the new format earlier.
This important change from the Ministry of Health follows a new European regulation that aims to eliminate regulatory barriers. Some of these European rules will change how allergen information, gluten content, and fava bean presence are displayed on food labels, particularly for those with food sensitivities.
Currently, labeling allergens on food products is not mandatory. However, most food manufacturers and importers that do label allergens have been using a separate information box below the ingredient list. The new rules require that allergens be highlighted directly in the ingredient list.
For foods that contain gluten or ingredients from gluten-containing grains, the specific grain name (wheat, barley, rye, or oats) will be highlighted in the ingredient list. This replaces the old standard, which simply stated “contains gluten” after listing the grain.
Products containing fava beans or fava bean derivatives will now say: “Contains fava beans – not suitable for individuals with G6PD deficiency.” This label will appear right after the ingredient list or next to the product name if there is no ingredient list.
Some products are already using the new labeling standards, while others can continue using the old format until the end of 2027. These older products can still be sold until they expire.
The statement “may contain [allergen name]” will remain the same, as it is not affected by the new European labeling regulations.
Pnina Oren-Shanidor, Head of the Food and Cosmetics Regulatory Division at the Ministry of Health: “We are committed to protecting the health of Israelis with food sensitivities. The Ministry of Health is working to ensure the safety of the products they consume. To support this commitment, we are clarifying the upcoming labeling changes to help those with food sensitivities choose safe products and avoid those that are a health risk.”
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