Do I Need a Nutrition Label?
Do I need a nutrition label? Most packaged food sold in the US does. Small businesses, home kitchens and a few food types can be exempt. Answer a few quick questions to see where you stand.
What are you labeling?
Pick the closest match.Based on the FDA exemptions in 21 CFR 101.9(j). Your state may have extra home-kitchen rules.
Three possible results
Label rule questions
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There are two. If you sell straight to consumers and your yearly sales to consumers are $500,000 or less, or your food sales to consumers are $50,000 or less, your food is exempt. A product is also exempt as low-volume when your business has fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees and sells fewer than 100,000 units of it a year in the US. For that one you file a notice with the FDA each year, unless you are not an importer, have fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees and sell fewer than 10,000 units. Both are in 21 CFR 101.9(j), and both end once you make a nutrition claim.
Yes. Nutrition information or a nutrition or health claim on the package, your website or in ads ends the small business exemptions. Then you need a full Nutrition Facts label, or Supplement Facts for a supplement. Protein Claims →
Food sold directly to customers by a small producer is often exempt from Nutrition Facts. Your state may still require an ingredient list and allergens. How to Sell at a Farmers Market →
Many do. Most grocery stores and distributors ask for a Nutrition Facts label before they stock a product.
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