Food Labels & Date Coding
Food labels and date coding products — dissolvable labels, day-of-the-week dots, freezer labels and label guns — help kitchens track prep and use-by dates for HACCP-compliant stock rotation. Every catering site handling fresh food, from care home kitchens to hotel prep areas, needs a labelling system that’s legible, removable and colour-coded by day. The key buying consideration is whether labels are dissolvable (for direct food contact surfaces) and how they fit your existing date-coding routine.
Key specifications
Date-coding systems are specified by label type and adhesive. Dissolvable labels wash off cleanly in water, so they suit containers that go straight back through the wash; removable labels peel away without residue; and permanent freezer-grade labels stay put through frost and condensation. Colour-coded day-of-the-week dots run a full seven-colour set for at-a-glance rotation, while pre-printed prep, use-by and allergen labels cover HACCP records and Natasha’s Law allergen information. A handheld label gun speeds high-volume dating, and blank or printable rolls suit thermal label printers. Match the adhesive to the surface and the storage temperature. Used across restaurants, takeaways, pubs, hotels, schools and care home kitchens.
Food Labels & Date Coding — FAQs
Are dissolvable food labels required by law in the UK?
There’s no single law mandating dissolvable labels, but food safety management guidance (based on HACCP principles) expects clear, removable date coding, and dissolvable labels are the practical standard because they wash off in warm water rather than leaving sticky residue.
What’s the difference between day dots and freezer labels?
Day-of-the-week dots are colour-coded for quick rotation of short-shelf-life chilled items, while freezer labels use stronger adhesive and print resistant to frost and condensation for longer-term frozen stock.
Do I need a label gun or printed sheets?
A handheld label gun suits high-volume kitchens labelling many containers daily, while pre-printed label sheets or pads are usually enough for smaller cafes and pubs with lower prep turnover.