How to Make Sure Your Artwork and Labeling is FDA-Compliant

For any brand selling food, beverages, dietary supplements, or related products in the U.S., ensuring your packaging artwork and labeling comply with FDA regulations is crucial. Non-compliance can lead to costly recalls, legal issues, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your labels meet FDA standards.

Understanding FDA Labeling Requirements

The FDA has strict guidelines for food and supplement labels, covering everything from ingredient listings to health claims. Some of the key elements include:

• Product Name & Identity – Clearly state what your product is.
• Net Quantity of Contents – Indicate the amount of product inside (weight, volume, or numerical count).
• Ingredient List – All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight.
• Allergen Statements – Declare major allergens per the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).
• Nutrition Facts or Supplement Facts Panel (SFP) – A standardized format for listing nutrient content.
• Manufacturer & Distributor Info – Include the name and address of the responsible party.

Nutrition Facts vs. Supplement Facts Panel (SFP)

One of the most critical aspects of FDA-compliant labeling is properly presenting nutritional information. Whether your product falls under food or dietary supplements determines which panel format to use.

• Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP) is required for conventional food and beverages.
• Supplement Facts Panel (SFP) is used for dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.

Each format has specific guidelines on layout, font sizes, and required nutrient declarations. The FDA provides detailed instructions on how these should be formatted, ensuring clarity and consistency.

Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid

To prevent compliance issues, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Incorrect serving sizes – Follow FDA guidelines for standardized serving sizes.
• Improper health claims – Avoid unapproved claims like “cures disease” or “prevents illness.” Only FDA-authorized health claims can be used.
• Missing or incorrect allergen labeling – Allergen declarations must be clearly stated.
• Illegible or misleading fonts – Labels must be clear, legible, and not misleading to consumers.

Staying Up to Date with FDA Regulations

Regulations and labeling requirements evolve over time, so staying informed is essential. The FDA provides comprehensive resources to help businesses maintain compliance. You can review the latest guidelines here: FDA Food Labeling Guide.

Get Expert Assistance for FDA-Compliant Packaging

Ensuring FDA compliance can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team specializes in custom packaging solutions that meet all regulatory standards, from Nutrition Facts formatting to full compliance reviews.

Get a free quote today and ensure your packaging is FDA-compliant!