Understand food labels and certifications
Browse resources on Nutrition Facts panels, quality and organic labels, animal welfare certifications and bioengineered food disclosures. Access guidance on labeling laws, product dating, label claims, and educational materials for consumers and educators.
Food Labels
Food Quality Labels
Find information on USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service food quality labels, including grade shields and value-added labels.
Bioengineered (BE) Disclosure
Find USDA standards and definitions for bioengineered foods, or foods that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature.
Food Labeling Laws and Guidance
Legislation:
- Agriculture Marketing Act
- Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
- Federal Alcohol Administration Act
- Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act
- Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act
- Meat Inspection Act
- Poultry and Poultry Products Inspection Act
USDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service:
HHS. Food and Drug Administration:
- Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide
- Food Ingredient & Packaging Terms
- Guidance for Industry: Evidence-Based Review System for the Scientific Evaluation of Health Claims
- Guidance for Industry: Food Labeling Guide
- Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information
Additional Resources:
- Labeling Resources - United States Department of Treasury. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
- Food Labeling Information & Resources - National Agricultural Law Center.
- Food for Profit: Food Labels - Penn State Extension Service.
- Nutrition Analysis Companies - Cornell University.
- Healthy Food Policy Project - Vermont Law School. Center for Agriculture and Food Systems.
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Food Labeling & Nutrition
HHS. Food and Drug Administration.
Find labeling requirements for foods under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and its amendments, including:
- Food Allergies
- Gluten-Free Labeling
- Menu and Vending Machines Labeling Requirements
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Food Product Dating
USDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service.
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Label Claims for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements
HHS. Food and Drug Administration.
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Labels Unwrapped
Vermont Law School. Center for Agriculture and Food Systems.
Nutrition Facts Labels
The New Nutrition Facts Label (Also in Spanish/Español)
Learn about the Nutrition Facts label's refreshed design and updated information from the Food and Drug Administration. Resources include:
View a summary of the recent changes to the Nutrition Facts label, including bold calories and updated nutrient listings, serving sizes, and daily values.
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“Behind the Label” with FDA: Information for Educators on the Updated Nutrition Facts Label
HHS. Food and Drug Administration.
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The New Nutrition Facts Panel
PennState Extension.
Nutrition Facts Laws and Guidance
- Industry Resources on the Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label - HHS, Food and Drug Administration.
- Food Labeling and Nutrition - HHS, Food and Drug Administration.
- Food Labeling Information & Resources - National Agricultural Law Center.
Organic Food Labels
Organic Food Certification
Learn about Labeling Organic Products to meet the requirements of USDA's National Organic Program.
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The Organic Seal
USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service.
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Understanding the USDA Organic Label
USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service.
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Organic on Food Labels
HHS. Food and Drug Administration.
Animal Welfare and Food Labels
Animal Welfare Audit and Certification Programs
USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC).
Some food labels include information on participation in animal welfare programs and how the animals were raised. AWIC provides resources on animal husbandry guidelines, animal welfare audit overviews, and humane certification programs.
Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms
USDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
FSIS is the agency responsible for ensuring the truthfulness and accuracy in labeling of meat and poultry products. They provide a glossary of meat and poultry labeling terms.
A Consumer's Guide to Food Labels and Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare Institute.
Many food labels can be confusing and misleading. This guide provides definitions and animal welfare implications for some of the most commonly used labels on dairy, egg, meat, and poultry products, including labels used when farmers participate in certification programs.