Food packaging is both marketing and regulated information. A strong label review process checks the mandatory information first, then tests every voluntary claim for accuracy, consistency and support.
Start with the information consumers must be able to find
FDA says food labeling is required for most prepared foods, including breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts and drinks. A packaging review should verify the statement of identity, net quantity, ingredient list, allergen declaration when applicable, manufacturer or distributor information, and the Nutrition Facts panel where required.
Do not treat the Nutrition Facts panel as a design element that can be freely rearranged. FDA updated the Nutrition Facts label requirements in 2016, including changes involving serving sizes, calorie presentation and added sugars. The panel should be built from the current requirements that apply to the product and package size.
Review claims separately from mandatory labeling
Claims such as “healthy,” “low,” “high,” health claims and structure/function statements can trigger specific federal requirements. FDA groups label claims into defined categories and maintains separate rules and guidance for them. Marketing copy should therefore be reviewed as carefully as the ingredient and nutrition information.
Check the complete package, not only the front panel
A practical pre-print review should compare the principal display panel, information panel, side panels and any multipack or individual-unit labeling. Small changes in formula, supplier, serving size or package dimensions can create inconsistencies across panels.
- Confirm the product name and net quantity presentation.
- Reconcile the ingredient list with the current formula.
- Verify major allergen declarations.
- Validate Nutrition Facts data and serving-size assumptions.
- Review every nutrient, health and marketing claim.
- Check that company information and required disclosures are legible.
- Save the final artwork and substantiation records used for approval.
Build review into product changes
Label compliance is not a one-time launch task. Formula changes, new suppliers, line extensions, package resizing and new advertising claims can all require another review. Brands that keep a single approved source of truth for formula, claims and artwork reduce the chance that an old panel or claim survives into a new print run.
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Nutrition, Food Labeling, and Critical Foods and The Nutrition Facts Label .