FDA Label Review: What to Check Before Printing Food Packaging

What a label review should accomplish

A label review should catch mismatches before packaging is printed. It should compare the artwork to the real product, formula, supplier documents, nutrition data, package size, and claims.

Start with the FDA Food Label Requirements pillar guide, then use the Food Label Compliance Checklist as the working review sequence.

Core review areas

Review these areas together:

• Statement of identity.
• Net quantity of contents.
• Ingredient list and sub-ingredients.
• Major food allergens.
• Nutrition Facts panel.
• Manufacturer, packer, or distributor statement.
• Claims, warnings, and instructions.
• Lot code, date code, barcode, and print space.
• Customer or retailer requirements.
• Artwork version and approval record.

Do not review a label only by looking at the front panel. Many expensive errors are found in the ingredient statement, allergen declaration, Nutrition Facts, or claims language.

Practical checklist

• Confirm the product name and SKU.
• Match formula to ingredient list.
• Verify ingredient order logic with the current formula.
• Check supplier specs for sub-ingredients and allergens.
• Review allergen declaration against formula and facility controls.
• Verify Nutrition Facts data source and package serving logic.
• Check net quantity against package size and fill target.
• Review claims against formula, nutrition data, and support documents.
• Confirm company name and address wording.
• Leave space for lot code, best-by date, barcode, and required production marks.
• Save final approved artwork with reviewer and date.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include sending artwork to print before supplier data is final, missing allergen changes after ingredient substitution, using an old Nutrition Facts panel, changing package size without changing net quantity, and adding marketing claims after QA review.

Another frequent issue is poor version control. A label can be technically reviewed but still fail if the wrong artwork file is printed.

QA perspective

Label review is a control point. Treat it like an approval process, not a design preference. A strong process links formula approval, supplier documentation, nutrition review, allergen review, claims review, and final artwork approval.

When the business is moving quickly, use a fixed checklist so the same items are reviewed every time.

Source notes

For official and product-specific label decisions, verify current requirements with applicable sources:

• FDA Food Labeling Guide.
• FDA Food Allergies.
• eCFR 21 CFR Part 101.
• USDA FSIS Labeling Procedures for FSIS-regulated products.