RegaaS

Food labelling requirements checklist for the US

The six things every US food label must carry, then answers to the questions that come up after.

Label Requirements Facts

6 required elements per US food label

Applies toMost packaged foods

Required on the label

Rules checked300,000

Provision

  • Statement of identity on the front panel21 CFR 101.3
  • Net quantity of contents bottom 30% of the front panel21 CFR 101.7
  • Ingredient list in descending order of weight21 CFR 101.4
  • Major food allergens all nine, sesame includedFD&C Act 403(w)
  • Name and place of business manufacturer, packer or distributor21 CFR 101.5
  • Nutrition Facts unless exempt21 CFR 101.9

Most packaged foods sold in the US. Exemptions and special rules apply. RegaaS checks your label against each of these, with 300,000 rules behind them, and cites the provision for every finding. An AI-assisted first review, not legal advice.

Check your own label against every line.

Questions about US food label requirements

What must be on a food label in the USA?
For most packaged foods, six elements: the statement of identity (21 CFR 101.3) and net quantity of contents (21 CFR 101.7) on the principal display panel; the ingredient list (21 CFR 101.4), name and place of business (21 CFR 101.5) and Nutrition Facts (21 CFR 101.9) on the principal display panel or the information panel; and the major food allergens (FD&C Act 403(w)).
Where does the net weight go on a food label?
On the principal display panel, as a distinct item within the bottom 30 percent of the panel, in lines generally parallel to the base (21 CFR 101.7(f)). The minimum type height depends on the area of the panel (21 CFR 101.7(i)).
Which allergens must a US food label declare?
The nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Declare them in a "Contains" statement immediately after or next to the ingredient list, or in parentheses within the list (FD&C Act 403(w)).
Does every food need a Nutrition Facts panel?
Most packaged foods do, but 21 CFR 101.9(j) exempts some, such as qualifying small businesses, foods with no significant amount of any nutrient (plain coffee or tea, for example) and foods shipped in bulk that are not sold to consumers in that form. Making a nutrient claim can remove an exemption.