A Food Labeling Guide: Chapter 5.1 - Nutrition Labeling | |||||||||||
7.1. Are mail order sales covered by the food labeling laws?
The same labeling laws apply to all categories of retail sale, including mail orders. Foods sold by mail order must be fully labeled.
7.2. Are foreign language labels permitted?
All required label statements must appear both in English and in the foreign language if any representations appear in a foreign language.
21 CFR 101.15(c)(2)
7.3. On labels that have two languages, may nutrition information be provided in one "bilingual" "Nutrition Facts" label?
When nutrition labeling must be presented in a second language, the nutrition information may be presented in separate nutrition labels for each
language or in one label with the second language, translating all required information, following that in English. Numeric characters that are
identical in both languages need not be repeated.
21 CFR 101.9(d)(14)
7.4. Where should the country of origin be declared on an imported food?
The law does not specifically require that the country of origin statement be placed on the principal display panel, but requires that it be
conspicuous. If a domestic firm's name and address is declared as the firm responsible for distributing the product, then the country of origin
statement must appear in close proximity to the name and address and be at least comparable in size of lettering.
(U.S. Department of Treasury regulation)
7.5. Which foods require warning statements?
Warnings are required on self-pressurized food containers and on some protein-based weight reduction products and dietary supplements, and on products
bearing a health claim regarding the relationship between soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. A warning
is also required on products containing saccharin. Place the warning statements on the PDP or on the information panel if there is one.
21 CFR 101.17, Sec. 403(o) of FD&C Act
7.6. Is it permissible to use stickers to make changes in labeling?
Correcting label mistakes in any manner is acceptable if the final label is correct and complies with all regulations at the time of retail sale.
The stickers should not cover other mandatory labeling, and should adhere tightly.
7.7. Are there restrictions on label artwork?
Do not use artwork that hides or detracts from the prominence and visibility of required label statements or that misrepresents the food.
21 CFR 1.21(a)(1), 101.3(a), 101.105(h)
7.8. Does FDA approve labels before printing?
No, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer of a food to comply with current food labeling regulations.
Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
A Food Labeling Guide, September 1994 (Editorial revisions June, 1999) |
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