Food Labels & Information Required By Law

Food labeling laws require specific information be present on most packaged foods. Uniform food labeling ensures that consumers are not misled and allows you to compare similar food products. Nutrition labeling gives insight into the nutrition profile of the product and consumers now expect this information.

Food Labeling Laws

The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act was passed by Congress in 1990 and implemented by the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1994. FDA regulates all foods except meat and poultry, which is regulated by the USDA. Labeling laws apply to U.S. food manufacturers and foreign exporters of foods into the U.S. It mandates specific information appear on most food labels. In 2006 the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act was introduced, requiring food labels also disclose the presence of eight major food allergens.

Statement of Identity

The statement of identity, or common name of a food product, must appear on the front label panel, also called the principal display panel. Labeling regulations ensure the name of the product does not mislead consumers and clearly portrays the food item.

Net Weight

Net quantity of contents, more commonly known as the net weight, also appears on the front label panel and represents the amount of food in the package or container. Food labels must show the net weight in both metric -- grams, kilograms, milliliters, liters -- and U.S. Customary System -- ounces, pounds, fluid ounces. An example would be: Net Weight 6 oz./170g. The weight of the container and packaging materials are not included in the net weight.

Nutrition Labeling

Nutrition labeling is presented in the Nutrition Facts Panel, which appears on the panel to the right of the front label panel. The Nutrition Facts Panel includes a serving size based on standard reference amounts, servings per container and listing of certain mandatory nutrients. These nutrients include: calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugar, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Ingredient Statement

The ingredient statement must appear directly under the Nutrition Facts Panel. All ingredients in a food product must be listed in the ingredient statement by descending order of predominance by weight. Multicomponent ingredients must list sub-ingredients in parenthesis. Ingredients present in amounts of 2 percent or less by weight can be listed in any order when listed after the statement "Contains 2 percent or less of the following." Special rules apply to listing spices, flavorings and colorings.

Allergen Declaration

The FALCPA requires that food labels disclose the presence of the eight major allergens. The most common food allergens include: milk, egg, wheat, fish, crustacean shellfish, soy peanuts and tree nuts. The specific type of fish, crustacean shellfish and tree nuts must be stated on the label. The allergen declaration is listed directly under the ingredient statement and provides important information for consumers with food allergies.

Business Information

Food labels must also contain business contact information. The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor must appear with the nutrition labeling. A street address needs to be included if it is not in a current directory, along with the city, state and ZIP code. Telephone and website information is optional.