USDA's Most Common Labeling Mistakes
The United States Department of Agriculture has strict guidelines for labeling. These guidelines are meant to protect the consumer from misleading or vague ingredient listings and claims. However, the label approval process can be extensive and arduous. FSIS, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, has provided a list of the most common labeling mistakes to avoid. To see the full list and for more in-depth information on these mistakes and how to fix them, visit USDA’s website here.
Many of these labeling mistakes affect the workflow of your label printing project as well. To avoid delays or mistakes that could be costly, be sure to keep the following in mind when creating your label:
1. Either the entire label is illegible or portions of the label are illegible.
The USDA will return your label without evaluating it if it can’t be easily read. This will not be a problem if you print with Dion! Not only do we review all label artwork when you send it to us to make sure everything is clear and legible, we have an extensive quality control process once we’ve printed your label that includes a thorough inspection of each individual label on a roll. Learn more about our quality process here.
2. The label is incomplete in that not all required labeling features are provided.
You know your product best, and it’s essential that you include important product information like product weight. With over 60 years in the label business, we often notice when label information appears to be amiss, but make sure to use this checklist the USDA provides to be sure you’ve included all required label features.
3. The formulation, processing procedure, or supporting documentation do not agree with or validate information and/or claims on the label, e.g., "lemon, thyme, pepper" claim on label but the formulation does not indicate that the spices contain thyme and pepper.
This one is all about thoroughness and transparency. Make sure you communicate the correct information on your application to the USDA, especially for ingredient and product information that is included on your label.
4. Product name is incorrect.
This category includes everything from specifications regarding the USDA’s Food Standards and Labeling Policy to text size of the product name on the label. Be sure to be thorough and follow all USDA guidelines that are applicable for your product!
5. Ingredient statement problems.
The problems classified under agreement statement problems are again vast and could include not using common names, multi-ingredient components do not list their sub ingredients, or ingredients are listed in the incorrect order, among others. You should be completely transparent about your ingredients to avoid some of these issues, but again refer to specific guidelines!
6. Nutrition facts problems.
Ensure you are being thorough when creating your nutrition facts panel. Make sure all serving sizes are correct, the format itself if correct, and the appropriate reference amounts are used. The USDA has very specific guidelines for nutrition facts that must be followed.
7. Undefined nutrient content claims are used, e.g., leaner, low carbohydrate, very low in fat.
The regulations are very prescriptive for nutrient content claims, so follow the guidelines to ensure you aren’t making unqualified nutrient claims on your label.
Especially for edible products, there is a lot to keep in mind when creating labels. We know the process can seem overwhelming, which is why when you partner with us we’ll help make sure that your label project goes as smoothly as possible! Are you ready to get started? Get started with a quote today!
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