Guide to Food Labeling Regulations
      USA                CANADA
                          Contents
                          Introduction & Disclaimer   3
                          General Requirements    4
                          Statement of Identity (Name of Food)      6
                          Net Quantity of Contents    7
                          Identity and Location of Manufacturer     11
                          Ingredients List     13
                          Nurtritional Information    16
                          Allergen Labeling     23
                          Health and Nutritional Claims   27
                          Expiry / Best Before Dates   33
                          Language Requirements    35
                         Trust the Experts in Packaging   36
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                 Introduction & Disclaimer
                 Food labeling requirements are complex and often confusing, but 
                 getting it wrong can stop your product from getting to market or result 
                 in hefty fines. To add an extra layer of complexity, regulations vary from 
                 country to country, meaning an acceptable food product label in the 
                 United States may not meet Canadian requirements.
                 This guide seeks to provide a general overview of both FDA and Health 
                 Canada food labeling requirements, and illustrate the key differences 
                 between each. 
                 This guide is not intended to encompass all requirements of each government agency. This guide is to 
                 be used for informational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy 
                 of the information contained herein, Emmerson Packaging is not responsible for any errors or 
                 omissions, or for any consequences which may arise from the use of this information. By downloading 
                 and reading this guide, you agree to accept full responsibility for its use.
                 emmersonpackaging.com  Guide to Food Labeling Regulations: 
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                      General Requirements
                      USA
                       
                      Every product has a primary / principal display panel (PDP) on which 
                      certain information must be printed. The PDP is whichever surface the 
                      consumer is most likely to see on a retail shelf or at time of purchase. 
                      Both the product’s statement of identity and net quantity must be printed 
                      on the PDP.
                      Other required label information (listed below) must be printed on the 
                      panel immediately to the right of the PDP, known as the Information 
                      Panel. This information could also be printed on the PDP.
                      Required label statements for most food products include:
                        •	 Statement	of	identity	(common	name)
                        •	 Net	quantity
                        •	 Name	and	address	of	manufacturer,	packer,	or	distributor.	If	the		
                          manufacturer’s	name	and	address	is	not	printed,	the	listed	
                          organization’s	relationship	to	the	product	must	be	specified	(e.g.	
                          “Distributed	by	Company	X”.
                        •	 Ingredients
                        •	 Nutrition	facts
                        •	Allergen	labeling	(mandatory	for	all	products	packaged		
                          after	January	2006)
                       
                      The Information Panel must not contain any other information or design 
                      elements which are not required by the FDA. If the label is printed in a 
                      foreign language, all required information must be also printed in English.
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