Welsh Language Requirement: Mandatory Food Labels in Cymraeg in Wales

Wales, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a distinct language, has always strived to preserve and promote its linguistic identity. One of the ways it does this is through the requirement of bilingual food labels. But is there a law that mandates food products in Wales to have labels written in Welsh (Cymraeg)? Let’s delve into this topic and explore the regulations surrounding food labelling in Wales.

Food Labelling Regulations in Wales

The food labelling regulations in Wales are governed by the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, which is enforced by the Food Standards Agency in Wales. This regulation does not specifically require food labels to be written in Welsh. However, it does state that food information should be easily understandable and accessible to consumers, implying that it should be in a language readily understood by the consumer.

The Welsh Language Act

While the food labelling regulations do not explicitly require Welsh language on food labels, the Welsh Language Act of 1993 and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 provide a different perspective. These laws place the Welsh language on an equal footing with the English language in Wales. They require public bodies and some private companies providing services to the public in Wales to offer services in both English and Welsh. However, these laws do not specifically cover food labelling.

Voluntary Use of Welsh on Food Labels

Despite the lack of a specific law mandating Welsh language on food labels, many companies voluntarily include Welsh on their product labels. This is often done as a mark of respect for the Welsh language and culture, and to cater to the significant number of Welsh speakers in the country. The Welsh government also encourages businesses to use Welsh on their labels and provides support and resources to help them do so.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no specific law that requires food labels in Wales to be written in Welsh, the practice is encouraged and supported by the Welsh government. The use of Welsh on food labels not only respects and promotes the Welsh language and culture but also ensures that information is accessible to all consumers in Wales.

References

• Food Standards Agency. (n.d.). Food labelling and packaging. Retrieved from https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-labelling-and-packaging
• Welsh Language Commissioner. (n.d.). Welsh Language Standards. Retrieved from https://www.comisiynyddygymraeg.cymru/English/Regulation/Pages/Standards.aspx
• Welsh Government. (n.d.). Welsh language and your business. Retrieved from https://businesswales.gov.wales/welsh-language-and-your-business