U. S. Department of Health and Human Services
U. S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
A Food Labeling Guide
September, 1994 (Editorial revisions June, 1999)

The latest version of this document issued in April 2008. Below is an earlier version.

July 9, 2003: For updated examples of nutrition labels
see Examples of Revised Nutrition Facts Panel Listing Trans Fat.

A Food Labeling Guide
Food Labeling CFR References

Chapter VII--Miscellaneous

Questions	Answers
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.
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)
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)
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)
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 (See updated information*.) Place the warning statements on the PDP or on the information panel if there is one. (See also updated information on shell eggs† and unpasteurized juice‡.) 21 CFR 101.17, Sec. 403(o) of FD&C Act
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. 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)
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.

^*The section of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act related to warning information on health risks of saccharin was repealed December 21, 2000. (U.S. Code Sec. 343a).

†Federal Register; December 5, 2000: The label of all shell eggs, whether in intrastate or interstate commerce shall bear a "Safe Handling Instructions" statement.

‡Federal Register; July 8, 1998: Juices that have not been specifically processed to prevent ... pathogens shall bear a warning statement. (See also What Consumers Need To Know About Juice Safety, September 1998.)