Labels and Information Required By Law

In the United States, the body responsible for ensuring that foodstuffs are properly labeled is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA regulations apply to food imported from foreign countries as well as that produced domestically.

Basic Food Labelling

• There are essentially two ways to label food containers or packages. All the required information can be placed on a principal display panel on the front of the product, or certain required information can be placed on an information panel.

Ingredient List

• By law, ingredients must be listed in descending order, by weight, on the principal display panel or information panel. Ingredient information must appear on the same panel as the name and address of the manufacturer and be conspicuous and easy to read.

Nutrition Facts

• A so-called "Nutrition Facts" label is legally required on most food packaging. This contains calorie information for saturated and unsaturated fat, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins and minerals for which a recommended daily intake has been established.