• Question: what does the E mean on packets of food which is next to the weight?

    Asked by rosieapple to James on 15 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: James Hargreaves

      James Hargreaves answered on 15 Jun 2011:

      hey rosieapple! 🙂

      the “e” symbol next to the weight on packs of foods mean “average weight” for instance if it says 250g e, that basically means the packet of food might not always be 250g, but when its been packed into packets the average should be 250g.

      An average (just in case, your not sure) is the weight of packs all added up, and then divided by the number of packs made.

      does that make sense? – let me know if your not sure! 🙂

Comments

  • Photo: rosieapple

    rosieapple commented on :

    thanks, that helped!

  • Photo: Evan

    Evan commented on :

    So does “e” stand for “estimated” then? That’s what I had thought/guessed.

  • Photo: James

    James commented on :

    Evan…
    The “e” actually stands for “european”.
    It is a small e, (at least 3mm), which acts as a metrological passport throughout the whole of the European Union and constitutes a guarantee by the packer or importer that packages have been made up in accordance with the average system. In order to be e-marked a package must comply with the three packers’ rules and be packaged in quantities between 5g or ml and 10kg or L. The e mark is not compulsory.