A Detail Guide to Food Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements
According to the government of the USA, you have to follow strict rules and regulations if you are dealing with food items. However, these regulations are designed to ensure safety, transparency, and fairness for consumers whether you start a small cottage industry or are a factory owner. All must understand and learn these regulations.
In this blog, you will explore the rules and regulations of food product labeling and packaging requirements. Also, discover why it is mandatory to label Custom food packaging boxes. There is no doubt that there are several reasons to choose personalized packaging boxes for food and edible items.
“Clear Labels, Informed Choices.”
Regulatory Bodies for Food Product Labeling- An Overview
According to Law, three main agencies overseeing food labeling and packaging in the USA. Their names are:
- FDA- The Food and Drugs Administration
- USDA – The United States Department of Agriculture
- FTC – Federal Trade Commission
All of them ensure that every food item is packed and printed properly. However, the FDA and USDA supervise the labeling and packaging of various edible and food items.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for the majority of food products. Like packaged foods, dietary supplements, bottled water, and most beverages. However, their regulations are detailed in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).
USDA
USDA supervises meat, poultry, and certain egg products. The regulations are outlined in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), and the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA).
What are Mandatory Components for Labeling Custom Food Packaging Boxes?
Multiple components must be part of your Custom Printed Food Boxes. You add some mandatory information to your printed packaging boxes to achieve your desired sales target.
“Know What You Eat—Label It Right.”
Here are the basic components of labeling:
- Principle Display Panel
- Informational Panel
- Nutrition Facts Label
Let’s explore each of them one by one.
1. Principle Display Panel – PDP
When you design Custom Printed Food Boxes, you add the product name (statement of identity) and the net quantity of contents (weight, measure, or numerical count). This crucial information is added to the PDP section.
Every customer must check this section before buying their desired food item. The statement of identity contains two elements, one is the product name and the other can be the logo of the brand. Name is the identity of any person or product. That’s why you must allocate proper space to the Principle Display Pane.
2. Informational Pane
The informational pane is located on the right side of the PDP. However, you have to choose the right Custom food box packaging that can easily provide you with enough space to add labels. This section of Food Packaging Boxes Wholesale has the following elements.
- Ingredient List
- Manufacturer, Packer, or Distributor Information
- Allergen Statement
- Nutritional Facts
Ingredient List
A list of ingredients is added to Printed Food packaging. However, it depends on the supplier’s choice either listed in descending order of predominance by weight or ascending order. For example, a custom cereal packaging box must have a list of all ingredients, but you will find wheat at the top.
Furthermore, the list must also identify major food allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans). You have proper knowledge about the dimensions of the boxes so you can easily arrange all informational data on your Wholesale custom packaging.
Manufacturer, Packer, or Distributor Information
The name and address of the supplier is the part of this section. However, you need to add suitable phrases for your Custom Food boxes, because they are effective for promotion and branding.
Allergen Statement
If the product contains any of the major food allergens, this must be clearly stated, usually beneath the ingredient list. Some people are allergic to peanuts, so you highlight this section to avoid unwanted uncertain conditions.
Nutritional Facts
A standardized table providing information on the nutritional content of the product. Including serving size, calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, this format and information are planned by the FDA, that’s why you can’t ignore it. Every Wholesale Custom Food Box must have this table of Nutritional facts.
“Labels That Speak Your Product’s Truth.”
3. Nutrition Facts Label
This is the most crucial part of a food Packaging box. You observe that whatever product you buy must have a nutritional breakdown table. For instance, you buy a recipe mix pizza box, no matter, whether it is available in a triangular box or a tuck-end box. They must provide consumers with essential information to make informed choices about their diet
What should be added to Nutrition Fact Label?
The FDA has specific requirements for what must be included on this label.
- Serving Size: The quantity of food typically consumed in one sitting, based on reference amounts customarily consumed (RACC).
- Calories: The total number of calories per serving.
- Nutrient Information: This includes the amount of total fat, saturated fat, Trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Daily Values (DV): These percentages indicate how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet, based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet.
According to the FDA, all must add NFL to their Food packaging. Whether you pick Mylar Bags Wholesale for long-time preservation or pick magnetic closure box for a Luxury gift presentation. This label must be added to your packaging box.
What are Claim Labels?
Claim labels are statements made on food packaging to highlight specific qualities, nutritional benefits, and health impacts of the product.
These labels are also crucial for your Custom-printed Food packaging. However, few custom packaging manufacturers ignore this section but according to strict regulations of the FDA, claim labels must contain accurate information, not misleading, and based on scientific evidence.
There are three basic types of Claim Labels:
- Nutrient Content Claims: These describe the level of a nutrient in a product, such as “low fat” or “high in vitamin C.” These claims must meet specific criteria set by the FDA.
- Health Claims: Health claims describe a relationship between a food or food component and a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. However, these health claims must be authorized by the FDA or be based on significant scientific agreement.
- Structural Claims: These claims allow you to add the structure benefits to your packaging. You add a statement like ‘calcium made bone strong’ to your milk package. However, this is not approved by the FDA, but effective in making your product trustworthy.
“Food Labels: Your Guide to Honest Packaging.”
What are some Basic Packaging Requirements for your Food Items?
Dealing with edibles and food items needs special care and packaging. You have to be careful while packaging your various food items. Custom Packaging House offers Custom cardboard boxes, eco-safe Kraft boxes, and Food Mylar Bags.
Cardboard is a bit expensive compared to Kraft and Mylar. However, it depends on suppliers’ choice and their budget plans regarding which packaging style and stock they prefer. Beyond labeling, the physical packaging of food products also needs to meet specific regulatory requirements to ensure safety and quality:
Temper Evident Packaging
Make sure that your packaging solution is temper evident. Custom Heat Sealed Mylar Bags are a perfect example of this. You can easily prevent contamination and protect consumer safety by choosing a perfectly sealed solution for your food.
Material Safety
A non-reactive and eco-safe packaging stock is essential for your edible products packaging. The FDA has guidelines on substances that can be used in food packaging and their appropriate uses.
100% degradable Kraft stock is safe for the ecosystem. However, they are more popular in the fast food industry. Custom Fast food boxes are perfectly secure for your edible items. Furthermore, the addition of printed butter paper can make these boxes more secure and presentable.
Durability and Integrity
The packaging you choose for your food items must be made with sturdy stock. The selection of flimsy packaging can ruin your product and impact a negative impression of your brand on your valued customers.
Make sure that whatever packaging style you choose for your products. It must maintain the quality and safety of the food during transportation, storage, and display. Take care whenever you need Child-lock packaging you must choose it. Particularly when you are dealing in CBD or weed items it is compulsory to choose child-safe packaging to keep your kids safe.
What Are the Common Mistakes in Food Labeling and Packaging?
Till now we have discussed the labeling and packaging requirements of food boxes. Let’s take a look at some common costly mistakes.
Stay updated about the Regulations
FDA and USDA keep updating their rules and regulations. However, keep an eye on the updates of regulations and authorities. For this regularly consult the FDA and USDA websites for updates.
Consult with the Experts
Before getting your printed food packaging wholesale in bulk, you must consult with some experts and professionals. However, you can do this on your own just by comparing your food box with some legally approved packaging.
Test your Labels
Before printing, test your labels for readability and compliance with regulations. Ensure no spelling mistakes and content is written in an easy and regionally specified language.
Educate your Team
Your team must have proper knowledge about every label. Your customer care and marketing team must have adequate information about this, so they can guide your customers in a better way.
“Detailed Labels, Confident Customers.”
Where Can I Get Perfectly Labeled Food Packaging?
Are you ready to evaluate your brand with our exclusively labeled Food packaging boxes? Get in touch with us right now to get your INSTANT PRICE QUOTE. Begin creating the ideal food boxes wholesale that will leave a lasting impact on your clients.
Don’t wait; let the excellence and distinctiveness of your product be reflected in the packaging. Call us at ( 307 ) 271 5170 to place RUSH ORDERS. You can also email sales@custompackaginghouse.com and get a 30% discount on your order.
For a free consultation and price, get in contact right now!
Summing Up
Navigating the complexities of food product labeling and packaging in the USA can be challenging. If you’re in the food industry, make sure to review your product labels and packaging regularly, consult with experts when necessary, and stay informed about the latest regulations to keep your business compliant and your customers informed.
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