| Questions |
Answers |
| 1. What is the net quantity of contents?
|
The net quantity of contents (net quantity statement) is
the statement on the label which provides the amount of food in the
container or package.
21 CFR 101.105(a) |
| 2. Where is the net quantity of contents
statement placed on the label? |
The net quantity statement (net quantity of contents) is placed as a
distinct item in the bottom 30 percent of the principal display panel,
in lines generally parallel with the base of the container.
21 CFR 101.105(f) |
| 3. Should the net quantity of contents be
stated in both grams and ounces? |
Food labels printed must show the net contents in both metric
(grams, kilograms, milliliters, liters) and U.S. Customary
System (ounces, pounds, fluid ounces) terms.
The metric statement may be placed either before or after the U. S.
Customary statement, or above or below it. Each of the following
examples is correct (additional examples appear in the regulations):
- Net wt 1 lb 8 oz (680g)
- Net wt 1 lb 8 oz
680 g
- 500 ml (1 pt 0.9 fl oz)
- Net contents 1 gal
3.79 L
P.L. 102-329, August 3, 1992; 21 CFR 101.105 |
| 4. Why is it necessary to calculate the area
of the principal display panel?
|
The area of the principal display panel (calculated in square inches
or square centimeters) determines the minimum type size that is
permitted for the net quantity statement (see next question).
Calculate the area of the principal display panel as follows. The area
of a rectangular or square principal display panel on a carton is the
height multiplied by the width (both in inches or both in centimeters).
To calculate the area of the principal display panel for a cylindrical
container, multiply 40% of the height by the circumference.
|
| 5. What is the minimum type size? |
For the net quantity statements, the minimum type size is the
smallest type size that is permitted based on the space available for
labeling on the principal display panel. Determine the height of the
type by measuring the height of the lower case letter "o" or its
equivalent when mixed upper and lower case letters are used, or the
height of the upper case letters when only upper case letters are used.
| Minimum Type Size |
Area of Principal Display Panel |
| 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) |
5 sq. in. (32 sq. cm.) or less |
| 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) |
More than 5 sq. in. (32 sq. cm.)
but not more than 25 sq. in. (161 sq. cm.) |
| 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) |
More than 25 sq. in. (161 sq. cm.) but not more than 100 sq. in.
(645 sq. cm.) |
| 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) |
More than 100 sq. in. (645 sq. cm.) but not more than 400 sq. in.
(2580 sq. cm.) |
| 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) |
Over 400 sq. in. (2580 sq. cm.) |
21 CFR 101.105(h) and (i) |
| 6. What are the conspicuousness and
prominence requirements for net quantity statements? |
Choose a print style that is prominent, conspicuous and easy to
read. The letters must not be more than three times as high as they are
wide, and lettering must contrast sufficiently with the background to
be easy to read. Do not crowd the net quantity statement with artwork or
other labeling (minimum separation requirements are specified in the
regulation).
21 CFR 101.105 and 101.15 |
| 7. What is included in the net quantity
of contents statement? |
Only the quantity of food in the container or package is stated in
the net quantity statement. Do not include the weight of the container,
or wrappers and packing materials. To determine the net weight, subtract
the average weight of the empty container, lid and any wrappers and
packing materials from the average weight of the container when filled
with food.
| Filled container weighs |
18 oz. |
| Empty container weighs |
2 oz. |
| Wrapper weighs |
1 oz. |
| Net Weight |
15 oz. (425 g) |
21 CFR 101.105(g) |
| 8. Is water or other packing medium
included in determining the net quantity of contents in a food
container? |
The water or other liquid added to food in a container is usually
included in the net quantity declared on a label. In some cases where
the packing medium is normally discarded, the drained weight is given,
e.g., olives and mushrooms.
| Beans weigh |
9 oz. |
| Water weighs |
4 oz. |
| Sugar weighs |
1 oz. |
| Net Weight |
14 oz. (396 g) |
21 CFR 101.105(a) |
| 9. What is the net quantity of contents for a
pressurized can? |
The net quantity is the weight or volume of the product that will be
delivered from the pressurized container together with the weight or
volume of the propellant.
| Whipped cream |
11.95 oz. |
| Propellant |
.05 oz. |
| Net Weight |
12 oz. (340 g) |
21 CFR 101.105(g) |
| 10. What is the policy on using qualifying
phrases in net quantity statements? |
Do not use qualifying phrases or terms that exaggerate
the amount of food.
21 CFR 101.105(o) |
