South African food labelling specialists
Legal clarity.
Technical confidence.
Shelf-ready packaging.
ELAN Consulting helps food businesses develop legally compliant food labels and professionally presented packaging by combining food science expertise, regulatory knowledge and a coordinated network of specialists.
Food labelling is the foundation of everything we do. We support manufacturers, importers, brand owners, entrepreneurs and product developers with accurate food label content, regulatory compliance reviews, laboratory data interpretation, professional graphic design, food product photography, barcode assistance and market-readiness support.
Whether you are developing a new product, correcting an existing label or preparing packaging for retail, ELAN Consulting provides one coordinated pathway before you commit to print.
√ Product-specific review √ Clear corrective actions √ One coordinated pathway
The product pathway
From uncertainty to readiness.
Correct content comes before final design. Every step protects the approved product information.
01 __________________
Discover
We gather the product, formulation, artwork, claims, packaging format and commercial objective.
02 __________________
Classify
We identify the product category and map the requirements that apply to this specific product.
03 __________________
Review
Product information, label content, evidence and artwork are assessed in a structured sequence.
04 __________________
Correct
You receive clear findings, priorities, source references and practical corrective actions.
05 __________________
Verify
The final artwork is checked before printing, submission or launch.
THE ELAN PROCESS
Not every project requires every service. ELAN identifies the appropriate pathway according to the product, available information and intended market.
STEP 1
Initial Enquiry
The client provides available product information, label artwork, ingredients, claims and project objectives.
STEP 2
Product Information Review
ELAN Consulting reviews the information provided and identifies missing technical documents, specifications or
supporting data
STEP 3
Scope and Quotation
The client receives a recommended scope of work and quotation before the project begins.
STEP 4
Legislative and Technical Review
ELAN Consulting assesses the product and label information against the requirements relevant to the agreed service.
STEP 5
Laboratory Support Where Required
Appropriate laboratory analyses may be coordinated where reliable technical data is not available.
The results are reviewed and incorporated into the project where applicable
STEP 6
Corrective Actions and Label Development
ELAN Consulting provides clear findings, recommended corrections and approved technical content for
implementation.
STEP 7
Graphic Design and Photography
Where included, approved content is transferred into professional artwork and supported by accurate food
or product photography.
STEP 8
Pre-Print Technical Review & Retail Readiness
The completed artwork is reviewed against the approved information before release for printing. Outstanding technical, documentation or presentation requirements are identified before launch or retailer
submission.
The Result
Compliant, technically accurate and professionally presented packaging developed through one
coordinated process.
Why compliance must come first
Why Food Labelling Matters!
A food label is more than a marketing tool.
“Consumers rely on labels to understand what a product contains, identify allergens, assess nutrition information and make safe purchasing decisions”. Incorrect or incomplete labelling can have serious consequences.
An undeclared allergen may expose a sensitive consumer to a severe allergic reaction, including lifethreatening anaphylaxis. Incorrect gluten information may cause illness in people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Misleading descriptions, inaccurate nutrition information and unsupported claims may also influence purchasing decisions and damage consumer trust.
For businesses, incorrect labels may result in:
- Costly packaging reprints
- Delayed product launches
- Retailer rejection
- Product recalls
- Regulatory action
- Consumer complaints
- Reputational damage
ELAN Consulting helps identify and correct potential problems before packaging reaches the market.
services – an overview
Everything your food package needs to move forward.
spoiled for choice
- Eengage ELAN Consulting for one Specialist Task
- Follow a Coordinated Pathway from product information to final artwork.
01
Food Label
Compliance
02
Label Claims and Regulatory Guidance
03
Packaging Design
& Artwork
04
Professional Food & Product Photography
Detailed, product-specific reviews of food labels against applicable South African requirements.
We assess the information presented on the label, identify areas requiring correction and provide practical
recommendations before printing or market launch.
Assessment of nutrition, health, composition and marketing claims before they appear on a label, website or advertisement.
We consider whether the claim is permitted, appropriately worded and supported by suitable product
information or scientific evidence
Professional graphic design developed around approved legislative and technical content.
ELAN Consulting coordinates experienced packaging designers to create attractive, practical and print-ready artwork
without compromising the integrity of the food label information.
Professional photography of the actual food product and its packaging for labels, websites, e-commerce platforms, catalogues, retailer submissions and marketing materials.
Images must present the product honestly and should not create a false or misleading impression of its
nature, quality, quantity or composition.
05
Pre-Print Technical Review
06
Retail & Market Readiness
A final technical review of completed artwork before printing. We compare the finished artwork with the approved technical information and identify changes, omissions
or design errors that may affect compliance, accuracy or print readiness
Support for businesses preparing products for retailers, distributors, wholesale channels or direct-toconsumer sales.
We identify outstanding technical, packaging and presentation requirements and provide a clear pathway
towards market readiness.
ELAN Consulting coordinates design and photography as supporting specialist services so that the final packaging is:
- Legally and technically sound
- Visually professional
- Honest and accurate
- Consistent with the product
- Suitable for printing and marketing
Food labelling remains the primary discipline. Graphic design and food photography help communicate the compliant product information effectively and professionally.
The ELAN difference
Three Disciplines.
One Controlled Result.
ELAN Consulting provides one technical lead and one coordinated pathway.
We work alongside independent laboratories, experienced graphic designers, professional food photographers, barcode specialists and printers while protecting the accuracy of the approved product information throughout the project.
01
Legal
What legislation requires, permits or prohibits for the product, label and related advertising.
02
Technical
Whether the formulation, ingredients, allergens, nutrition data, processing and evidence support the information presented.
03
Visual Execution
How design and professional photography communicate the approved product information accurately, clearly and truthfully.
Most businesses are forced to coordinate several disconnected suppliers.
- A food labelling consultant reviews the information.
- A laboratory generates data.
- A graphic designer creates artwork.
- A photographer produces images.
- A printer prepares the package for production.
When these activities are not coordinated, information can be misunderstood,
changed or lost between handovers.
About ELAN
Independent, evidence-led and built around the product.
ELAN Consulting is a South African consultancy specialising in legislative and technical food labelling. Food label compliance remains the centre of our work.
Supporting services—including laboratory coordination, graphic design, professional food photography, barcodes and market readiness—are incorporated where they help deliver a complete, accurate and professionally presented result.
As founder of Élan Consulting, she combines scientific knowledge with practical industry experience to help food manufacturers develop compliant products, improve processes and navigate South African food legislation with confidence.
Meet The Founder
Elmarie Nelles is a food scientist with over 30 years of experience in food science, product development, food safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
Elmarie (Elizabeth) Nells – MSc Food Science
She holds a Master of Science (Agric) in Food Science (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria and has further strengthened her technical expertise through specialised training in HACCP, food sanitation, research methodology, quality assessment and food processing technologies.
Throughout her career, Elmarie has worked across academia, private industry and research institutions, including the University of Pretoria, Geest (SA), Spring Valley Foods and the CSIR. Her experience spans food product development, manufacturing, quality systems, food legislation, technical consulting and collaborative projects with both government and international partners.
Successful food labelling requires both legislative knowledge and technical expertise.
Legislative requirements determine what information must appear on the label and how it must be presented under applicable South African food legislation. Technical requirements ensure that the information is scientifically accurate and properly supported. This includes product classification, ingredients, allergens, nutrition information, claims, product specifications and supporting technical documentation.
ELAN combines both disciplines to provide product-specific guidance that is accurate, practical and commercially useful.
Legislative and Technical Food Labelling.
Our Purpose
ELAN exists to help food businesses communicate accurate product information, protect consumers and
reduce the commercial risks associated with incorrect packaging.
We believe that every food label should be:
- Scientifically accurate
- Legislatively compliant
- Clear to consumers
- Honest in its presentation
- Professionally designed
- Suitable for its intended market\
Our Specialist Network
Successful food packaging requires more than one discipline.
Depending on the project, ELAN works with:
- Experienced graphic designers
- Professional food and product photographers
- Independent SANAS-accredited laboratories
- Barcode and QR specialists
- Printers
- Packaging suppliers
- Other technical professionals
Clients benefit from one technical project lead while each specialist performs the work appropriate to their
field.
Our Commitment
ELAN Consulting is committed to:
- Consumer safety
- Technical accuracy
- Legislative compliance
- Honest communication
- Practical corrective guidance
- Professional presentation
- Confidentiality
- Clear project coordination
Best first step
Not sure whether your label is ready?
The ELAN Label Health Check is a practical, independent assessment for draft, existing and imported labels. It identifies potential concerns early, prioritises them and shows you what should happen next.
Frequently asked questions
What information is required for a food label review?
Can ELAN review unfinished artwork?
Yes.
Reviewing unfinished artwork can be beneficial because corrections may be made before the design is
finalised.
Can ELAN develop an entirely new label?
Yes.
ELAN can develop the legislative and technical content required for a new food label and coordinate the
transfer of the approved content into professional packaging artwork.
Does ELAN provide graphic design?
ELAN coordinates experienced graphic designers who create food packaging using the approved legislative
and technical information.
The design service may be used as part of a complete ELAN project or according to the agreed scope.
Can ELAN arrange professional product photography?
Yes.
ELAN coordinates professional photography of the food product and its packaging for labels, websites,
online stores, catalogues, retailer submissions and marketing materials.
Does ELAN perform laboratory testing
No.
Testing is performed by independent laboratories.
ELAN can assist with identifying suitable analyses, coordinating sample submissions, reviewing the
laboratory data and applying the verified information to the label review.
Can ELAN review imported food labels?
Yes.
Imported labels can be assessed against applicable South African requirements, and ELAN can identify
corrections required before local sale.
We generally request the existing label or artwork, product description, full ingredient information, allergen information, nutrition data where available, intended claims, packaging details and information about the intended market.
Additional information may be requested depending on the product
Can ELAN assist with barcodes?
Yes.
ELAN can provide guidance on GS1 barcode requirements, product information, placement and artwork
integration
Can ELAN assist with retailer requirements?
Yes, where the relevant retailer requirements are available.
Retailer requirements may be additional to statutory food labelling requirements and may differ between
retailers.
How long does a typical review take?
Turnaround depends on the type of product, complexity of the label, quality of the information supplied
and the scope of work.
An estimated timeframe will be provided with the quotation.
Does ELAN guarantee regulatory approval?
No consultant can guarantee how a regulator or retailer will exercise its authority.
ELAN provides an independent professional review based on the agreed scope, applicable requirements
and the product information supplied by the client.
Does ELAN provide legal advice?
ELAN provides legislative and technical food labelling guidance based on food science and regulatory
requirements.
ELAN is not a law firm and does not provide formal legal representation.
Who remains responsible for the product and label?
The product owner, manufacturer, importer or responsible business remains accountable for the product
information and final packaging placed on the market.
ELAN supports the client through structured professional review and practical corrective guidance.
SERVICES – A closer look
Specialist Food Labelling and Packaging Services
Every food product is different.
Some clients require a straightforward review of existing artwork. Others need support with product
information, laboratory data, label development, graphic design, photography, barcodes and market
readiness. ELAN services may be used individually or combined into one coordinated project.
01
Food Label Compliance
ELAN conducts structured reviews of food labels against applicable South African food legislation and
product-specific requirements.
The review may include:
- Product name and description
- Product classification
- Ingredient declaration
- Compound ingredients
- Quantitative ingredient declarations
- Food additives
- Allergen declarations
- Precautionary allergen statements
- Nutrition information
- Claims and marketing statements
- Mandatory declarations
- Net quantity
- Date marking
- Storage instructions
- Directions for use
- Manufacturer or importer information
- Country of origin
- Batch identification
- Legibility and presentation
What You Receive
Depending on the project, you may receive:
- Food Label Compliance Report
- Annotated artwork
- Corrective action schedule
- Technical recommendations
- Final review checklist
- Follow-up clarification support
02
Label Claims and Regulatory Guidance
Claims are powerful marketing tools, but they may create significant compliance and consumer-protection
risks.
ELAN reviews:
- Nutrition claims
- Health-related claims
- Composition claims
- Ingredient claims
- “Free-from” claims
- Comparative claims
- Natural or quality statements
- Website and promotional statements
- Product descriptions
- Images or visuals associated with a claim
We assess whether the proposed statement is suitable, properly supported and consistent with the product
information.
03
Packaging Design and Artwork
Once the legislative and technical content is approved, it must be incorporated into professional packaging
artwork. ELAN coordinates experienced graphic designers who understand that food packaging must balance:
- Brand identity
- Shelf impact
- Legibility
- Mandatory information
- Accurate product representation
- Print requirements
- Consumer communication
Design begins from approved product information rather than forcing regulatory content into completed
artwork at the end
Design Services May Include
Depending on the project, you may receive:
- Food label design
- Packaging layout
- Packaging redesign
- Brand identity refinement
- Logo support
- Artwork updates
- Print-ready artwork
- Designer technical support
04
Professional Food and Product Photography
Professional photography strengthens packaging, websites, online stores, catalogues, retailer
presentations and marketing campaigns.
The food product itself should be presented accurately and professionally.
Depending on the project, photography may include:
- Pack shots
- Food styling
- Product close-ups
- Ingredient imagery
- Serving suggestions
- Lifestyle photography
- E-commerce images
- Retail catalogue images
- Marketing campaign images
ELAN coordinates the photography brief so that the visual presentation remains consistent with the actual
product, approved claims and packaging information.
05
Pre-Print Technical Review
Even when a label was reviewed earlier, mistakes may be introduced during artwork development.
Text may be deleted, wording may be changed, allergen emphasis may disappear, font sizes may be
reduced or an outdated nutrition panel may be inserted.
ELAN therefore provides a final pre-print review of the completed artwork.
The Review May Include
- Comparison with approved technical content
- Ingredient and allergen verification
- Claims verification
- Nutrition information verification
- Mandatory information
- Net quantity
- Barcode presence and placement
- Legibility
- Artwork consistency
- Final checklist completion
What You Receive
- Pre-Print Technical Review Report
- Final corrective action list
- Annotated artwork where required
- Final review status
ELAN does not issue regulatory approval or certification. The service provides an independent professional
review within the agreed scope.
06
Retail and Market Readiness
A technically correct label is an important foundation, but retailers and commercial customers may require
additional product information and documentation.
ELAN helps identify gaps that could delay retailer submission or market entry.
This Service May Include
- Retail readiness review
- Product specification support
- Product information sheet
- Packaging presentation review
- Barcode readiness
- Product photography coordination
- Final artwork status
- Supporting documentation review
- Retailer-specific checks where re
SPECIALISED
Product Specification Development
Product specifications support manufacturing consistency, label accuracy, retailer onboarding and future product updates.
ELAN can assist with the development or review of:
- Product identity
- Product description
- Ingredient composition
- Allergen information
- Nutrition information
- Physical characteristics
- Packaging information
- Shelf life
- Storage requirements
- Directions for use
- Manufacturing or supplier details
- Technical supporting documents
INCLUSIVE
Technical Consulting
PSome projects do not fit neatly into a standard service.
ELAN provides product-specific technical consulting for:
- Complex label questions
- Ingredient changes
- Reformulation
- Product classification
- Claims concerns
- Designer support
- Printer liaison
- Laboratory liaison
- Packaging corrections
- Retailer requests
- Portfolio reviews
- Ongoing regulatory and technical support
Request a Product Review.
Start With the Information You Already Have
You do not need to have everything completed before contacting ELAN. Send the available information and tell us what you are trying to achieve. We will identify the most appropriate starting point.
Information That May Be Requested
- Business and contact details
- Product name
- Product description
- Product category
- Local or imported product
- New or existing product
- Reipe or formulation
- Ingredient information
- Allergen information
- Nutrition information
- Proposed claims
- Existing label or artwork
- Graphic design files where available
- Product photographs where available
- Packaging size and format
- Barcode information where applicable
- Retailer requirements where applicable
- Laboratory reports where available
- Intended market
- Required launch or print date
What Happens Next?
ELAN will:
- Review the information supplied.
- Identify the appropriate service or combination of services.
- Request any essential missing information.
- Prepare a defined scope of work.
- Provide a quotation before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Talk to ELAN About Your Product.
Whether you need a food label compliance review, laboratory data support, packaging design, food
photography, barcode assistance or market-readiness guidance, ELAN is ready to discuss your project.
ELAN Food Labelling & Packaging
Telephone:
+27 55 555 5555
Email:
quote@elanconsulting.co.za
Location:
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday
08:00–17:00
REVIEW REQUEST FORM
We will respond with the next steps and the information needed to assess your project.
Please do not submit confidential formulations through this initial form. Supporting information can be arranged after the scope and confidentiality requirements are confirmed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
ELAN provides independent legislative and technical food labelling consultancy services based on the information supplied by the client and the agreed scope of work. ELAN does not perform laboratory analysis, issue regulatory approval, certify products or provide formal legal representation.
Independent laboratories, designers, photographers, barcode organisations, printers and other specialists remain responsible for the services they perform. The product owner, manufacturer, importer or responsible business remains responsible for the product and the final packaging placed on the market.