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What goes on a food label is set by federal and state law, and the rules differ by product type and change over time. This page points you to the official authorities so you can verify the current requirements for your specific products. IAC organizes and links the sources. The agencies set the rules.
Meat & Poultry Labels (USDA FSIS)
USDA FSIS · Labeling Policies & Guidance:
The federal authority for meat and poultry labels. Covers mandatory label features, the approval process, and current policy. Meat and poultry labels follow USDA rules, not FDA.
USDA FSIS · Federal Food Labeling Requirements Guide (Meat, Poultry, Egg):
The detailed federal guide to the mandatory features that must appear on a meat or poultry label, straight from FSIS.
"Product of USA" & Origin Claims (New for 2026)
USDA FSIS · U.S.-Origin Claims Rule:
As of January 1, 2026, "Product of USA" and "Made in the USA" may only be used if the animal was born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S. If you use origin claims or state imagery, verify the current standard here.
FDA · Food Labeling & Nutrition:
The federal authority for most non-meat packaged foods (cottage foods, value-added products, baked goods, jams). Covers Nutrition Facts, ingredient lists, allergens, and net weight.
Animal-Raising & Marketing Claims
USDA FSIS · Animal-Raising Claims Guidance:
Claims like "Grass-Fed," "Raised Without Antibiotics," and "Free-Range" require documentation, and the substantiation rules were updated effective January 2026. Verify before using these on a label.
Find Your State's Labeling Authority:
State-inspected products and some claims fall under state rules that vary. Find your state's program and Extension service for local labeling requirements.
State Regulations & FDA Guidance:
Cottage food operations produce certain non-time/temperature control foods (jams, baked goods, dried herbs, pickled items) in home kitchens under state exemptions. Labeling requirements vary dramatically by state. Some require only a disclaimer, others require name, address, ingredients, and allergen warnings. All 50 states have some form of cottage food law as of 2026. Verify your specific state requirements and eligible foods before labeling and selling.
USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Labels
Require USDA accredited certifier approval. Products labeled "100% Organic" or "Organic" must meet strict federal standards. "Made with Organic" (75% organic ingredients) has different rules. All organic claims require certification documentation. Use only approved synthetic inputs and avoid prohibited pesticides, antibiotics, and GMOs.
FDA labeling & identity standards:
Honey labels must identify the product as honey and list the country of origin. Blended honey requires declaration of all countries. No additives permitted. Labels cannot claim medicinal properties. Net weight and producer information required. Definitions of honey types (clover, wildflower, etc.) follow FDA identity standards.
Seafood labeling must include species name, country of origin, and production method (wild-caught or farmed). Common names must match FDA approved names. Allergen warnings for shellfish required. Imported seafood needs country of origin. Traceability records required. Mercury and other contaminant warnings apply to certain species.
Raw milk labeling varies dramatically by state. Federal law prohibits interstate raw milk sales. States allowing raw milk require warning labels about foodborne illness risks. Labels must state "Not for human consumption" in some states, or include specific health warnings. Producer name, address, and net weight required. Verify state regulations before selling.
State Raw Milk Laws: Contact your state dairy or agriculture department
Dietary supplements require Supplement Facts labels listing each ingredient, amount, and daily value percentage. Structure-function claims allowed but disease claims prohibited. Warning labels required for certain ingredients. Ingredient sourcing and manufacturing location must be disclosed. "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA" disclaimer required on label.
Third-party verification: Kosher and Halal claims require certification by recognized third-party organizations. No federal standard exists, so private certifiers set requirements. Labels must display certifier symbol. Ingredients, processing methods, and facilities must meet religious standards. Certification bodies vary by region and religious authority.
Orthodox Union Kosher Certification: https://oukosher.org/
Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA): https://www.ifanca.org/
