When buying foodstuffs you have the right to know exactly what you are buying and certain essential information, such as ingredients and expiry date, must be provided. The information available on the label helps you to make an informed choice when buying food products.

How can I know whether a product contains GMOs (genetically modified organisms)?

On all packaged products consisting of or containing GMOs, such as genetically modified maize or transgenic soya, you must find a specific statement on the label such as 'This product contains genetically modified organisms'.

What can I do if a food product is not correctly labelled?

Over the past three weeks, this column has outlined what consumers should expect to find on the labels of food products. It is worth noting that if, however, the label of a product does not provide the required information, you should not buy it or you may ask the retailer to replace it or to refund the price of the product.

The same applies where the label cannot be read properly because the product is damaged. The improper labelling of food products may be tantamount to a criminal offence. Should you encounter any problems, you may obtain further advice from the Department of Public Health.

For further information contact the European Consumer Centre of Malta and the Consumers Association at 47a South Street, Valletta, tel: 2122 1901, e-mail ecc.malta@gov.mt or info@camalta.org, or visit www.camalta.org.

You can also phone the Consumer and Competition Division on freephone 8007 4400 or the Department of Public Health, 37/39 Rue d'Argens, Msida (2133 7333/e-mail: complaintsph@gov.mt).

Across the EU, consumers have rights. Insist on yours.

Next week: labelling of non-food products.

This article is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned.