Your Food Label is Gorgeous. But is it Legal?
You’ve done it. You’ve perfected your grandma’s secret sauce, found the perfect sustainable packaging, and are ready to share your creation with the world. The last step is the label—the beautiful, eye-catching design that will make customers grab your product off the shelf.
As your label printing partner, we understand that a beautiful design is only half the battle in a regulated industry like food and beverage. An incorrect label can lead to costly recalls or fines. While you have the final responsibility for designing and approving a compliant label, we believe in being an informed partner. We stay familiar with current regulations because the more we understand your world, the better we can serve you as your printer.
The FDA’s Must-Haves
Based on recent FDA guidance, every food label has a few non-negotiable elements. Ensuring these are correct on your final design is a critical step before you send your files to print.
- Statement of Identity: The common or usual name of the food.
- Net Quantity of Contents: How much product is inside, listed in both U.S. and metric units.
- Name and Place of Business: The name of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
- Ingredient Declaration: A list of ingredients in descending order by weight.
- Nutrition Facts Panel: Required unless the product qualifies for a specific exemption.
- Allergen Declaration: An explicit declaration of the nine major food allergens, such as milk, wheat, peanuts, and sesame.
Common (and Costly) Mistakes to Avoid
The FDA emphasizes a few key areas during inspections. A simple mistake in one of these areas can cause significant headaches for a food company. Keep an eye out for these common violations:
- Undeclared Major Allergens
- Misuse of “Gluten-Free” Claims: If you make this claim, the product must be tested and verified to contain no more than 20 ppm of gluten.
- Incorrect or Missing Nutrition Facts
- False or Unauthorized Health/Nutrient Claims
Navigating these rules can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to work with a dedicated legal or regulatory expert to get your label right before it comes to us for printing. As your printing partner, we have deep experience in the food industry, which means we understand your complexities. We’re committed to printing your final, approved design with the quality and precision your brand deserves.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are label printing experts, not lawyers. Please consult your legal counsel to ensure your labels fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations.