Spice Label Compliance Cheat Sheet (U.S.)

We’ve put together a spice label compliance cheat sheet to help guide you through the regulatory requirements for the labeling of spice blends in the United States. The regulations for labeling are known as Title 21, CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 101 and are the responsibility of the FDA. (Fig 1)

Vanns Spices has a dedicated labeling team that can assist you in creating an NFP (nutritional facts panel) and help you avoid mistakes that can lead to product launch delays or running afoul of FDA regulations.

The NFP above is the most commonly used format; however, the format will change depending on the size of the packaging.

Required Label Panels

Principal Display Panel (PDP) – front-facing, consumer view

• Statement of identity (e.g., “Taco Seasoning” or “Spices”)
• Net weight (must be in US customary & metric) Net weights should include one decimal place, even if it’s a zero – Net Wt. 2.0 oz (57 g)

Information Panel (immediately right of PDP) (Fig 2)

• Nutrition Facts (if required – see below)
• Ingredient statement
• Allergen statement (if applicable)
• Manufacturer/distributor statement

Nutrition Facts Format

• Strict layout, type size, and order required
• The FDA provides exact graphic templates (cannot be improvised)

Ingredient Declaration

• Must use common or usual names (e.g., Bay Leaves, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, etc.)
• “Spices” can only be used collectively under certain conditions
• Colors/flavors must be named correctly

Allergen Labeling

• Big 9 allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame) must be declared in the correct format.

Placement & Type Size

• Required info must be in a legible font, generally ≥1/16 inch height based on lowercase “o”
• All mandatory text must contrast with the background art

Prohibited / Controlled Claims

• Can’t make unapproved health claims
• “Organic” requires USDA certification
• “Natural” must not be misleading

Label Artwork

Before designing the artwork for your label, please review the Code of Federal Regulations. Many of the regulations are a review of the content above; however, the regulations include items such as font size and layout requirements. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101

Vanns Spices maintains a labeling department that can assist you with either creating a label for your spice blend (seasoning) or ensuring it meets current FDA regulations for spice label compliance.

Common Labeling Mistakes

Many labeling mistakes occur because of focusing on artwork first and compliance second. The safest workflow is to start with a compliance checklist and block out required spaces on the artwork, then layer branding elements around them.

Incorrect or Missing Statement of Identity

• Using a brand name instead of the actual food name (e.g., “Fiesta Blend” without saying “Taco Seasoning”)
• Not using the common or usual name of the spice (Coriander vs. Dhania)

Net Quantity Errors

• Missing dual declaration (must list both U.S. customary and metric → 2.0 oz (57 g))
• Placing the net weight in the wrong spot (it must be in the bottom 30% of the PDP)
• Using a font that is too small or not parallel to the base of the container

Nutrition Facts Mistakes

• Using the wrong format or graphic style (FDA requires specific templates)
• Omitting Nutrition Facts without filing a small business exemption
• Incorrect serving sizes must follow Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC)

Allergen Declaration Errors

• Forgetting to declare allergens under FALCPA (Big 9: milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame)
• Using vague terms like “may contain” without a basis

Manufacturer/Distributor Statement

• Missing “Manufactured for” or “Distributed by” when not the actual producer
• Omitting full address (City, State, ZIP)

Claims & Misleading Marketing

• Making unauthorized health claims (“Boosts immunity,” “Anti-inflammatory”)
• Using “natural” in misleading ways (when a product contains synthetic anti-caking agents)
• Claiming “organic” without USDA certification
• Some nutritional claims will require an NFP on the label, regardless of the small business exemption

Formatting & Placement Violations

• Required info printed in fonts that are too small (<1/16 inch)
• Poor contrast (e.g., white text on a light background)
• Putting required information on non-adjacent panels (e.g., splitting ingredients and Nutrition Facts)

FDA Oversight of 21 CFR Part 101 (Spice Label Compliance)

The FDA monitors new products (both established brands and private-label products) entering the U.S. market for food labeling requirements. (Fig 3) Monitoring mechanisms include routine facility inspections and responses to complaints.

If the FDA finds noncompliance (such as incorrect font size, missing allergen information, or misleading claims), they will issue a warning letter or require corrective action. The FDA may also force a company to recall a product with noncompliant or deceptive labeling.

For products imported into the U.S., the FDA works with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to conduct inspections at the ports of entry. Imported spices or seasonings with noncompliant or deceptive labeling may be detained and prevented from entering the U.S. market.

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