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On Oct. 1, 2024, the FDA began implementing a reorganization impacting many parts of the agency. We are in the process of updating FDA.gov content to reflect these changes.

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Nutrition, Food Labeling, and Critical Foods

Girl Reading the Food Label

The FDA promotes healthful eating patterns by providing nutrition information that helps consumers make informed food choices and by encouraging industry to focus on healthier food formulations. These FDA 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. 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, seesee "Dietary Supplements."

In addition, the FDA oversees and enforces regulatory requirements of “critical foods” which includes infant formula and medical foods. The Office of Critical Foods ensures the regulatory requirements regarding the safety, nutritional adequacy, packaging, and labeling of infant formula. 

Overarching

Nutrition and Food Labeling

Critical Foods

Guidance/Regulations

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