Who regulates food labels?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are responsible for regulating food labels in the United States. The USDA is responsible for meat and poultry labeling as well as production practices like USDA Certified Organic. The FDA is responsible for nutrient labels and most product standards. Both agencies work together to provide accurate and consistent information to consumers.

Third-party organizations also have the ability to create food labels based on their own standards, accreditation, and certification process. Below is a flowchart that shows all the possible paths for a food product information to be certified. Producers, third-party organizations, and government agencies can develop specific food labeling standards. Each standard has its own testing and accreditation process. Once a product has gone through a testing and accreditation process, it can be certified and enforced.

Government standards typically involve consumer safety and ensuring fair commerce. Third-party or producer labels have a much wider range including categories like environmental, health, social justice, and marketing claims. All information displayed on food packaging must be truthful and not misleading according to the Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.

Some food labeling terms are clearly defined by the Federal Government. However, there are certain terms that producers are permitted to use at their own discretion, provided they define the term and can verify its correct use. More specific details on regulations can be found on category pages.