Labeling & Nutrition
These FDA Food Labeling web pages address the labeling requirements for foods under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and its amendments. Food labeling is required for most prepared foods, such as breads, cereals, canned and frozen foods, snacks, desserts, drinks, etc. Nutrition labeling for raw produce (fruits and vegetables) and fish is voluntary. We refer to these products as "conventional" foods. For detailed information on dietary supplements, a special category of products that comes under the general umbrella of foods, but which has separate labeling requirements, see "Dietary Supplements."*
* Terms such as "functional foods" or "nutraceuticals" are widely used in the marketplace. Such foods are regulated by FDA under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, even though they are not specifically defined by law.
What's New
November 2018
FDA releases two guidance related to the Nutrition Facts label:
- Guidance for Industry: Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels: Questions and Answers Related to the Compliance Date, Added Sugars, and Declaration of Quantitative Amounts of Vitamins and Minerals
- Draft Guidance for Industry: Serving Sizes of Foods That Can Reasonably Be Consumed At One Eating Occasion, Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed, Serving Size-Related Issues, Dual-Column Labeling, and Miscellaneous Topics