Understanding QUID in Food Regulation
- Admin
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When it comes to transparent labelling, Quantitative Ingredient Declaration (QUID) plays a key role in helping consumers make informed choices and ensuring manufacturers remain compliant with Malaysia’s Food Regulations 1985.
But what exactly is QUID, and when is it required on your food label?
What is QUID?
QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration) refers to the requirement to declare the percentage of specific ingredients in a food product. It indicates how much of a key ingredient is present, especially when it’s highlighted or emphasised on the product label.
For Example:
A “Strawberry Jam” must indicate the percentage of strawberry used
A “Chilli Sauce” should declare the amount of chili in the formulation
This requirement ensures the product label is not misleading and allows consumers to compare products fairly based on their actual composition.
When is QUID Required?
You must include QUID on your product label when:
The ingredient appears in the product name or description.
Example: “Botanical Beverage Pomegranate with Collagen” must declare the percentage of pomegranate and collagen used.
The ingredient is highlighted through words, pictures, or graphics.
Example: If vegetables are shown or mentioned on the label, the percentage of each vegetable must be stated.
The ingredient is essential to characterise the product.
Example: “Mayonnaise” shall contain not less than 65% of edible vegetable oil. These criteria represent the essential character of mayonnaise.
When is QUID NOT Required?
QUID is not mandatory in certain situations, such as:
When the quantity of the ingredient is already required to be labelled.
Example: Ingredients covered by specific commodity standards that already require content labelling.
When a nutrition claim is made.
Example: “Gummies with Vitamin C” – Percentage of Vitamin C does not need to be labelled in the ingredient list since it must already be declared in the Nutrition Information Panel to meet the claim criteria.
When the ingredient is used in small quantities as flavour.
Example: “Strawberry Flavoured Milk” – Percentage of strawberry need not be declared as it is used in small quantities as flavour.
When the ingredient is not present in food.
Example: “Chicken Curry Powder” – Product name refers to its intended use, not its content, so there’s no need to declare any percentage of chicken.
How to Declare QUID on Labels
QUID declarations should be expressed as a percentage (%) of the total food product.
They can be presented as:
Next to the ingredient name: “Strawberry (10%)”
In a statement near the ingredient list: “Contains 10% strawberry”
Rounded appropriately: Decimal values can be rounded up with at least one decimal point (e.g., 1.67% → 2% or 1.7%).
Conclusion:
QUID as a Cornerstone of Food Label Compliance
Understanding and applying QUID correctly is fundamental to label compliance under Malaysia’s Food Regulations 1985. It ensures your product label communicates its true composition, supporting transparency and trust among consumers while meeting FSQD requirements.
Aqurate Ingredients is an international player in supplying functional ingredients and providing innovative solutions to the food & beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry. We believe, a satisfied customer is a repeat customer.
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