Food Product Basic Label Requirements
Safe Food is Good Business
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Food Product
Basic Label Requirements (PDF:
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What products need a label?
All prepackaged food products offered for customer self service. What is a proper food label?
In general, a label must have two parts. The first part is called the Principal Display Panel and the second part is called the Information Panel. Principal Display Panel
This is the part of the label that is most likely to be viewed. The following information is required on the Principal Display Panel:
- The common, usual or fanciful product identity.
- Net quantity of contents placed on the lower 30% of the Principal
- Display Panel.
Information Panel
This is the part of the package that is immediately to the right of the Principal Display Panel. The Information Panel would contain required information that is not included on the Principal Display Panel. The following information is required either on the Principal Display Panel or the Information Panel.
- List of ingredients (In descending order by predominance of weight.)
- Name and address of manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
- Nutritional facts (There are some exceptions for small retailers.)
- An expiration date is required for most perishable food products.
- Exceptions include meat, seafood, poultry, and produce.
Nutritional Facts Labeling
A food label, in most cases, will also be required to have nutritional facts labeling. Retail food establishments that prepare or nutritionally alter a product on premises are exempt from nutritional labeling unless a nutritional or health claim is made. What resource materials are available to aid in the development of a legal food product label?
- State Statutes and Rules for specific foods.
- FDA Food Labeling Guide.
- Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations. This is the regulatory reference.
For Further Information Contact:
- Your area state or local inspector.
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Dairy and Food Inspection Division
90 West Plato Boulevard
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
(651) 296-2627
- Division of Programs & Enforcement Policy
HFS-155
Office of Food Labeling
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Food and Drug Administration
200 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20204
(202) 205-5229
