What Do UK Food Packaging Symbols Mean? Your Complete Guide

Ever looked at the symbols on your food packaging and felt like you were trying to crack a secret code? You're not alone! From quirky recycling signs to little-known certifications, the packaging symbols can seem like a mystery. But fear not—these symbols are actually there to help you make smarter choices, whether you’re figuring out how to recycle or checking how fresh your food is. Let’s break down the most common ones, starting with the symbols that tell you how to keep things green and eco-friendly.

Recycling and Environmental Symbols

The Green Dot

This symbol indicates that the manufacturer contributes to the cost of recycling packaging materials in Europe. It doesn’t necessarily mean the packaging itself is recyclable but shows the company’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability.

Mobius Loop (Recycling Triangle)

The familiar triangle of three chasing arrows means that the packaging is recyclable. Sometimes, there may be a percentage in the centre indicating how much of the packaging is made from recycled materials.

Recyclable with Number

Certain plastic packaging displays a number inside the recycling triangle, from 1 to 7. This code identifies the type of plastic used, such as PET or HDPE, and indicates how it should be recycled.

Tidyman Icon

The image of a person tossing litter in a bin reminds consumers to dispose of packaging responsibly. It encourages proper waste disposal, reducing littering in public spaces.

Safety and Storage Symbols

The Snowflake Symbol

This symbol indicates that the product is suitable for freezing. If a snowflake with a number is included, it suggests the maximum number of months the product can remain frozen.

Use By Date

Typically found on perishable items like fresh meat, dairy, and fish, the ‘use by’ date is critical. It’s a food safety indicator, meaning the product should be consumed by the specified date to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

Best Before Date

‘Best before’ refers to the quality of the food rather than safety. While the product may still be edible after this date, its taste, texture, or nutritional value may start to decline.

Open Jar Symbol

The open jar symbol often includes a number followed by an "M," indicating how many months the product will last once opened. For example, “12M” means the product should be consumed within 12 months of opening.

Animal Welfare and Certifications

Red Tractor

The Red Tractor symbol certifies that the product meets UK farming standards for food safety, hygiene, animal welfare, and environmental protection. This symbol ensures traceability and is often seen on meat, dairy, and fresh produce.

The RSPCA Assured Logo

This symbol indicates that the animals involved in producing the food were treated in line with the RSPCA’s welfare standards. It’s commonly seen on eggs, meat, and dairy products.

Fairtrade

The Fairtrade mark ensures that the product meets Fairtrade standards, focusing on better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms for farmers and workers in developing countries. Look for this symbol on items like chocolate, coffee, and bananas.