FDA Food Label Checklist

A U.S. food label needs a statement of identity on the principal display panel (21 CFR 101.3), net quantity in the bottom 30% of that panel (21 CFR 101.7), an ingredient list in descending order of weight (101.4), major allergens declared, the name and place of business (101.5), Nutrition Facts (101.9) unless exempt, and all required text in English (101.15).

Principal display panel

Statement of identity: the common or usual name (21 CFR 101.3)
Net quantity of contents, in the bottom 30%, parallel to the base, minimum type size by panel area (21 CFR 101.7)

Information panel

Ingredients in descending order by weight, with sub-ingredients (21 CFR 101.4)
Major food allergens: a "Contains" statement or in the ingredient list (21 USC 343(w))
Name and place of business, with "Manufactured for" or "Distributed by" when not the manufacturer (21 CFR 101.5)
Nutrition Facts in the right format for the package (21 CFR 101.9)

Also

All required information in English; other languages only if every required element is also in English (21 CFR 101.15(c))
Country of origin marking for imports (19 CFR 134)
Health, nutrient-content and structure/function claims have their own rules: get expert review

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.