Nutritional Dosage for Food Labeling (INCO Regulation Type I)

Type I nutritional analysis is an essential regulatory approach for food manufacturers wishing to establish a nutrition declaration in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 , known as the INCO Regulation . This type of analysis is based on a theoretical assessment of the nutritional composition , carried out using formulations, technical data sheets, and bibliographic data on the raw materials used.

This method is particularly suited to products with a stable and well-controlled composition , for which manufacturing or formulation variations are minimal.

Principle and purpose of Type I nutritional assessment

Type I nutritional analysis does not systematically involve direct laboratory measurement. It consists of calculating nutritional values ​​from documented information on ingredients (reference values, regulatory databases, CIQUAL tables, USDA, etc.).

The calculated nutritional parameters include:

• the energy value (kJ/kcal);
• the fat and saturated fatty acid ;
• the carbohydrate and total sugar ;
• protein content ;
• salt content ( calculated from sodium).

These elements constitute the seven mandatory values ​​of the standard nutrition declaration required on food packaging marketed within the European Union.

Advantages of the Type I method

This approach offers several advantages for agri-food and nutraceutical companies:

• Saving time and cost : no experimental analysis is necessary when the composition is perfectly known;
• Suitable for controlled formulations : ideal for products based on reproducible recipes or made from standardized ingredients;
• Rapid regulatory compliance : allows for the creation of a nutritional label compliant with INCO regulations without going through a full analytical laboratory;
• Flexibility : data can be revised or adjusted in case of reformulation, change of supplier or variation in composition.
• On the other hand, for products whose composition is complex, variable or sensitive to transformation processes, analytical validation by laboratory analyses (Type II) is strongly recommended to guarantee the accuracy of the displayed values.

Industrial applications

Type I nutritional dosage is applicable in many sectors:

• Food processing industry : packaged products, confectionery, beverages, prepared meals, dairy or cereal products;
• Specialized nutrition : sports food, nutritional supplements, slimming products, fortified foods;
• Animal nutrition : standardized formulations of compound feeds;
• Plant sector and natural extracts : plant-based products, powders or dehydrated preparations intended for human or animal consumption.

This approach is particularly useful in the product development or market launch , to obtain an initial estimate of nutritional values ​​before undertaking experimental analyses.

Complementarity with laboratory analyses

Although Type I is based on a theoretical approach, it can be validated or refined through laboratory analyses to obtain real-world measured values. These analyses confirm label compliance and incorporate additional parameters such as:

• the dietary fiber content ,
• vitamins and minerals ,
• or even polyunsaturated fatty acids and trace elements .

At YesWeLab, partner laboratories use reference techniques such as HPLC , LC -MS or GC-MS to refine these measurements.

YesWeLab Expertise and Support

YesWeLab provides manufacturers and formulators with comprehensive expertise in nutritional and regulatory analyses . Through our network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited partner laboratories , we support companies in ensuring INCO compliance for their products, from the theoretical calculation stage (Type I) to experimental validation (Type II).

Our digital platform simplifies the management of your analytical projects: requesting quotes, tracking analyses, viewing results, and archiving data. Our experts advise you on the most suitable method for your products, whether it involves formulation-based calculations or laboratory testing.

Further analyses recommended

To complete or validate your Type I nutritional calculations, YesWeLab recommends:

• Nutritional assay Type II (analytical)
• Saturated and unsaturated fatty acid levels
• Determination of simple sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose)

These services enable you to establish a complete, reliable nutritional declaration that complies with European regulations, while enhancing the transparency and perceived quality of your products.

Contact YesWeLab today to establish or verify your nutritional labeling. Our team will assist you in bringing your products into compliance with the INCO regulation.