When browsing aisles of food products in the grocery stores and other food specialty stores, it is not uncommon to come across food labels that contain errors and fail to comply with the U.S. federal regulations governing food products. Many labels have at least one mistake that goes unnoticed to the supplier. Here are some of the most prevalent blunders we frequently encounter:
- Failure to State the Food’s Statement of Identity: Neglecting to provide a clear Statement of Identity, which identifies the product’s name, is a common oversight.
- Incorrect Statement of Identity: We regularly see products using a Statement of Identity that may not be legally permitted under federal food labeling laws. This can lead to confusion among consumers and may render the product to be misbranded under federal food labeling regulations.
- Improper Ingredient Names: Using unfamiliar or incorrect names for ingredients instead of their common or usual names can cause confusion or misrepresentation.
- Inaccurate Calorie Count: Incorrectly listing the number of calories can mislead consumers, affecting their dietary choices.
- Flawed Nutrition Facts Panel: The format and sizing of the Nutrition Facts Panel must adhere to specific guidelines. The FDA recently rolled out a new Panel that is required to appear on traditional food products (i.e., a Panel where the calorie count is one of the largest statements). The new format Panel was designed to provide consumers with more accurate information about a food’s nutrients. The Panel is one of the items we frequently see containing errors.
- Disjunctive Labeling: When essential information is scattered on the label and not presented together as required on the Information Panel, compliance issues arise.
- Inadequate Ingredient Listing: Failing to identify individual components of a compound ingredient or failing to use parentheses for clarity can cause a product to be non-compliant.
- Misleading Organic Claims: Labeling a product as “Organic” or displaying the USDA Organic symbol without proper certification can be extremely problematic for a food supplier.
- Incorrect Font Sizes: Proper font sizing for different sections of the label is essential for legibility and compliance purposes.
- Missing Country of Origin: Neglecting to mention the country of origin, particularly for imported products, is a significant omission.
At Lindsey Zahn P.C., we understand the critical importance of ensuring that your food product labels comply with FDA food labeling regulations. As a leading law firm specializing in food and beverage law, we offer comprehensive services to assist food manufacturers in navigating the complex landscape of food labeling requirements.
Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in the latest FDA guidelines and regulations concerning food labeling, including the new Nutrition Facts Panel requirements. We meticulously review your product labels, ensuring that all essential elements, such as accurate nutrient content, serving size, allergen information, and ingredient lists, meet FDA standards.
Contact Lindsey Zahn P.C. to schedule an introductory meeting to discuss your needs and products and to learn more about how we can help: info@zahnlawpc.com or (929) ZAHNLAW (929-924-6529).