This Regulation provides the basis for the assurance of a high level of consumer protection in relation to food information, taking into account the differences in the perception of consumers and their information needs whilst ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market of the European Union. It lays down general principles governing the right of consumers to information, with particular regard to food labelling. These provisions apply to apply business operators at all stages of the food chain, where their activities concern the provision of food information to consumers; further they apply to all foods intended for the final consumer, including foods delivered by mass caterers, and foods intended for supply to mass caterers.