Packaging labels are of extreme importance to the final consumer. This type of communication generally includes information about origin, ingredients and additives, quantities, shelf life, preparation method, conditions of use, and indications of the product’s intended age group, amongst other characteristics. Through this information, consumers can gather information and purchase products that meet their needs and do not pose risks to their health or wellbeing.
Once a company determines that a good will be marketed in another country, it is essential that all the information present on the original packaging of the product is adapted to the new target language. In this case, translation takes on great importance, because, as well as guaranteeing the consistency of the communication of the product in relation to the original, it is essential to take special care with the terminology used on the market in which the product will be sold.
Pharmaceutical and medical labels, for example, have terminology specific to the areas of health and pharmacy, which vary from language to language and do not depend exclusively on the manufacturer’s terminology preferences.
Labels for cosmetic products must comply with the relevant regulations, amongst them is Article 19 of Spanish Regulation 1223/2009 on cosmetic products if we want to market these products in Spain.
On the other hand, there is the translation of labels on foodstuffs, which is part of the food industry sector and encompasses various areas. Trade and market, transport, packaging and distribution of products or food and nutrition are some of them. Within the agrifood documents, agrifood product labels provide information to users that helps them make purchasing decisions or healthy decisions when buying a product. Faced with growing consumer concern about taking care of their bodies and the health effects of the food they eat; the label becomes their key tool. Above all, in the face of the huge variety of brands and types of products at our fingertips, the user finds it increasingly difficult to choose which product best satisfies their interests and brings them more healthy benefits. Therefore, the label becomes a piece of communication and information between the company and the consumer.
Therefore, anyone who thinks that carrying out a professional translation, to a high quality, is a simple task, is wrong because specialist terminology in both of the working languages is required. The text has a unique originality, such as the presence of verbal and nonverbal elements with significant load. An error at this stage can cause great harm, compromising the image of brands and companies irretrievably, requiring the translator to have very particular skills or requirements. Therefore, translation should be considered a strategic factor, worked through a meticulous process, especially when people’s well-being can be jeopardised. This is the case with the translation of labels and packaging. The method adopted to ensure the quality of label translation is the participation of native translators, who have grown up in the country where the product will be marketed and who have knowledge and familiarity with the market terminology of the product in question.
Here at BBLTranslation we work with the best specialist experts in reviewing the adaptation of labels to the legal provisions that apply to them.
Our native professionals check that everything is in accordance with the regulations of the country for which they are destined and, where appropriate, any regional legislation if applicable.
In the UK, for example, the red, amber and green colour coding is used.
Colour-coded nutritional information tells you at a glance if the food has high, medium or low amounts of fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt:
In a nutshell, the greener on the label, the healthier the choice.
In the United States, it’s the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that decide what information goes on a food label. These agencies require that all food labels show the same nutrition and health information. The translator specialised in labels must be aware of all the requirements laid down by the law.
In Europe, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has the main role of assessing and communicating risks related to the food chain.
In Spain, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition protects health by promoting food safety and healthy nutrition.
Food quality and safety is translated in language through in-depth knowledge of the regulations in force and their practical application.
Ask us for a no-obligation quote for the translation of labels and we will be happy to meet your request. We are also available for label review, label adaptation for international markets and the adaptation of labels to current regulations.
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