2013 was a decisive year for the dietary supplement industry in Europe.
Even though no new laws were passed, one topic was at the center: the EU Food Information Regulation (FIC).
It brought the biggest change in the labeling of foods and dietary supplements in decades – and sustainably shaped the entire industry.
A year of preparation: The FIC takes the stage
The FIC – Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 was already adopted in 2011, but only became legally binding from December 2014.
In 2013, manufacturers of dietary supplements across Europe began to prepare intensively for the new requirements.
The FIC replaced numerous older directives and created a uniform EU-wide system for food labeling – from font size to allergen labeling to nutritional information and health claims.
For the supplement industry, this meant: labels had to be completely revised.
What changed for dietary supplements
Although the FIC basically applies to all foods, it had particularly far-reaching consequences for dietary supplements.
Because supplement packaging is small, contains many details, and is heavily marketing-driven.
Here are the most important changes that were implemented in practice in 2013:
🏷️ 1. Uniform Legibility – the new font size rule
In the future, every mandatory indication had to be at least 1.2 mm x-height (0.9 mm for very small packages).
This regulation forced manufacturers to completely redesign labels to accommodate all mandatory information in a legible way – without violating design or brand guidelines.
⚠️ 2. Clear Allergen Labeling
The FIC made the highlighting of allergens mandatory – for example by bold, italic or underlining in the ingredients list.
For dietary supplements, this meant: even excipients such as soy lecithin, milk proteins, or gluten had to be checked and clearly labeled.
📊 3. Uniform nutritional information
Although the full nutritional declaration ("Big 7") only became mandatory in 2016, preparations began in 2013.
Supplement manufacturers adapted their information on vitamins, minerals, and reference intakes (NRV) to the new EU format.
This created for the first time a harmonized appearance for dietary supplements throughout the EU.
💬 4. Health claims under control
Article 7 of the LMIV prohibits misleading information about food.
Together with the Health Claims Regulation (EC No. 1924/2006), this meant:
Only health claims approved by the EU were allowed to be used.
2013 was the year many companies revised their product texts, labels, and marketing claims to remain legally compliant.
🌿 5. Transparent information as a competitive advantage
With the LMIV, the trend towards more transparent labeling began.
Manufacturers who presented their information clearly, understandably, and honestly gained consumers' trust.
What initially seemed like a bureaucratic duty became a quality feature and marketing advantage in 2013.
Conclusion: 2013 as a turning point for the supplement industry
The year 2013 was not a year of new laws – but a year of major upheaval.
Dietary supplement manufacturers used the time to adapt their products to the new requirements of the Food Information Regulation (LMIV).
What followed was more than just a label change:
It was the beginning of a new era of transparency, safety, and credibility in the dietary supplement industry.
Regulation creates trust – and trust strengthens brands.
