Lot marking

Prepacked foods must carry a lot or batch number identifying the production unit. It is often introduced by 'L' or is omitted if the best-before date is given with at least day and month.

This allows targeted tracing and recall in case of quality problems. Traders and hospitality operators should keep delivery notes to prove the origin of goods. The duty is waived in certain cases, for example when the best-before date shows at least day and month; if only month and year are shown, it remains mandatory. The applicable regulations are authoritative.