Federal and state laws extensively regulate product labels to inform consumers and ensure safety. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 requires nutritional information on food labels. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act allows federal agencies to set rules for labels regarding contents, identification, and descriptions. Other laws regulate labels for medical devices, hazardous materials, and more. Businesses must consider all applicable laws to avoid legal issues with their labels.

2. Custom labels are a great way for businesses to inform
customers about product content, usage recommendations,
and other info. However, because product labels are
regulated by a series of federal and state laws, many
businesses aren’t sure how to have their labels meet all the
necessary legal requirements.
Custom Label
Regulation
800-229-8321

3. The Nutrition Labeling and
Education Act was passed in
1990. It set standards for terms
such as “low fat” and “high
fiber,” and requires that food
product makers and distributors
provide nutritional information
about their products, including:
• Serving sizes
• Caloric content
• Fat content
Nutrition
Labeling and
Education Act
800-229-8321

4. Fair Packaging
and Labeling Act
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)
of 1967 allows the FTC and FDA to create
and enforce label rules. According to the
FPLA, these agencies can set rules regarding:
• Disclosure of contents
• Commodity identification
• Identity and location of
manufacturer and/or distributor
• The size of descriptions
• Pricing
• Ingredient descriptions
800-229-8321

5. • Medical devices
• Flammable materials
• Toxic ingredients
• Skin/eye irritants
• And other products
capable of causing injury
Other federal and state laws have set stringent standards for
labeling items, such as:Other Label
Regulations
800-229-8321

6. Another important federal law
regarding labels is the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FD&C). It sets strict standards
for food label terms like
“organic” and “natural,” and
requires cosmetic manufacturers
to maintain a commitment to
responsibly report facts about
their products.
Federal Food,
Drug, and
Cosmetic Act
800-229-8321

7. While the laws mentioned above set federal standards for labels, even more regulation exists at the
state level. If businesses want to avoid fines, lawsuits, and punitive action by government agencies,
they need to take steps to make sure their labels are compliant with all relevant regulations.
State
Regulations
800-229-8321

8. Before finalizing a
label design, it’s
always a good idea to
consult with an
attorney who is
familiar with the
relevant laws, and can
advise you on how to
meet any missed
requirements and
avoid any potential
legal pitfalls.
Choosing
the Right
Label
800-229-8321

9. Of course, a good label does more than just meet the basic legal requirements. It also
incorporates marketing, branding, and customer outreach to ensure a label provides all the
information consumers want and need about a product and its maker.
More Than theLetter of the Law
800-229-8321

10. Bay Tech Label uses state-of-the-art equipment to make
custom labels that fulfill our customers’ needs for all types
of packaging and products. Browse our full selection of
materials or place an order at www.baytechlabel.com.
Contact Us
800-229-8321

11. Sources
• https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-
proceedings/fair-packaging-labeling-act
• https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/threading-your-way-
through-labeling-requirements-under-textile
• http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-
Guidance/FHSA-Requirements/