Technical Requirements for Nutrition Labeling

NUTRITION LABELING 

 Where should the Nutrition Facts label be placed on food packages?  The Nutrition Facts label may be placed together with the ingredient list and the statement of responsibility on the PDP or the information panel.  On packages with insufficient area on the PDP and information panel, the Nutrition Facts label may be placed on any alternate panel that can be seen by the consumer. 21 CFR 101.2(b) & (e) & 101.9(i) 

Is it necessary to use a nutrition display with a box shape on a round package? Yes.  Even  when  using  the  tabular  display,  the  nutrition  information must  be  set  off  in  a  box.  21  CFR  101.9(d)(1)(i) 

Can the product name be placed within the Nutrition Facts label? No.  The  name  may  be  placed  above  the  box  that  encloses  the nutrition  information.  21  CFR  101.9(c)  & (d) 

Can the Nutrition Facts label be oriented perpendicularly as opposed to parallel, to the base of the package? Yes. There is no requirement that any information, other than the net quantity of contents and statement of identity, be printed parallel to the base of the package. However, FDA urges manufacturers to strive for consistency of presentation of nutrition information in the market and to place the Nutrition Facts label so that it is readily observable and legible to the consumer at the point of purchase. 

Is a break in the vertical alignment allowed with the standard format? Yes. The vertical format may be broken in either of the following ways: (1) placement of the footnote to the right of the panel as shown in the example in 21 CFR 101.9(d)(11) or (2) all vitamins and minerals that are listed voluntarily (i.e., after iron) may be moved to the top right of the panel along with the footnote. 21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)