Labeling

Prepared foods have specific labeling requirements. Those labels must be legible and in English if produced or imported into the United States. Websites, social media, internet addresses, and QR codes are NOT substitutes for labeling requirements.

ADPH must review and approve drafts/proofs of the labels prior to printing. Download our Labeling Guide. Products with nonconforming or insufficient labels are subject to stop-sale orders.

• Principal Display Panel
  • Common name/Statement of Identity
    • Bold and ½ size of the most prominent print
  • Net content by weight, volume, or units at the bottom 1/3 of the packaging
    • Must be in standard and metric measurements

• Information Panel
  • Ingredient list in descending order by weight in 1/16” Font
    • Sub-ingredients in parentheses
    • Include allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, soy, peanuts, wheat, sesame)
    • Manufacturer’s/Distributor’s Information
      • “Distributed by” or “Manufactured for” if the product is co-packed
      • Street Address (if not listed in the current city directory or phone book)
      • City or Town
      • State
      • Zip Code
        
        
• Allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, soy, peanuts, wheat, sesame) can be included in the ingredients list, in a separate “Contains” statement, or in both areas
  
  
• Nutrition Facts Panel Exemption
  • Labeling exemption must be submitted to FDA
  • FDA approves labeling exemption
    
    
• Nutrition Facts Panel Requirements
  Per FDA requirements, the following values must be included on nutrition labels:
  • Values are declared in relation to serving size
    • Serving Size
    • Servings per Container
    • Calories
    • % Daily Value
      • Total Fat
        • Saturated Fat
        • Trans Fat
      • Cholesterol
      • Sodium
      • Total Carbohydrate
        • Dietary Fiber
        • Total Sugars
          • Added Sugars
        • Protein
        • Nutrients

Next: Specialized Processes