{"id":1153,"date":"2025-09-04T22:26:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T22:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/?p=1153"},"modified":"2026-04-07T17:52:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T17:52:31","slug":"spice-label-compliance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/spice-label-compliance\/","title":{"rendered":"Spice Label Compliance Cheat Sheet (U.S.)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-21\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-101?toc=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Title 21, CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)<\/a> Part 101 and are the responsibility of the FDA. (<strong>Fig 1<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/?attachment_id=1189\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"438\" src=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nutrition-facts-panel-2.jpg\" alt=\"nutrition facts panel\" class=\"wp-image-1189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nutrition-facts-panel-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nutrition-facts-panel-2-300x110.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nutrition-facts-panel-2-1024x374.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nutrition-facts-panel-2-768x280.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Fig 1<\/strong>: Nutrition facts panel specifications<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The NFP above is the most commonly used format; however, the format will change depending on the size of the packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Required Label Panels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Principal Display Panel (PDP)<\/strong> \u2013 front-facing, consumer view<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Statement of identity (e.g., \u201cTaco Seasoning\u201d or \u201cSpices\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Net weight (must be in US customary & metric) Net weights should include one decimal place, even if it\u2019s a zero \u2013 Net Wt. 2.0 oz (57 g)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Information Panel (immediately right of PDP)<\/strong> (<strong>Fig 2<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nutrition Facts (if required \u2013 see below)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ingredient statement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allergen statement (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacturer\/distributor statement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cfr.jpg\" alt=\"spice label compliance, 21 CFR Part 101, sample seasoning bottle with information and nutrition facts panels\" class=\"wp-image-1186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cfr.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cfr-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cfr-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cfr-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Fig 2<\/strong>: Principal display and information panel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nutrition Facts Format<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strict layout, type size, and order required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The FDA provides exact graphic templates (cannot be improvised)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredient Declaration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must use common or usual names (e.g., Bay Leaves, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cSpices\u201d can only be used collectively under certain conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colors\/flavors must be named correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Allergen Labeling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big 9 allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame) must be declared in the correct format.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Placement & Type Size<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Required info must be in a legible font, generally \u22651\/16 inch height based on lowercase \u201co\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All mandatory text must contrast with the background art<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prohibited \/ Controlled Claims<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can\u2019t make unapproved health claims<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cOrganic\u201d requires USDA certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cNatural\u201d must not be misleading<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Label Artwork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-21\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-21\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-101<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vanns Spices maintains a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/spice-manufacturing-and-co-packing\/\">labeling department<\/a>\u00a0that can assist you with either creating a label for your spice blend (seasoning) or ensuring it meets current FDA regulations for spice label compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Labeling Mistakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect or Missing Statement of Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using a brand name instead of the actual food name (e.g., \u201cFiesta Blend\u201d without saying \u201cTaco Seasoning\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not using the common or usual name of the spice (Coriander vs. Dhania)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Net Quantity Errors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Missing dual declaration (must list both U.S. customary and metric \u2192 2.0 oz (57 g))<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Placing the net weight in the wrong spot (it must be in the bottom 30% of the PDP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using a font that is too small or not parallel to the base of the container<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nutrition Facts Mistakes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using the wrong format or graphic style (FDA requires specific templates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Omitting Nutrition Facts without filing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/labeling-nutrition-guidance-documents-regulatory-information\/small-business-nutrition-labeling-exemption\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/labeling-nutrition-guidance-documents-regulatory-information\/small-business-nutrition-labeling-exemption\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">small business exemption<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incorrect serving sizes must follow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-21\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-101\/subpart-A\/section-101.12\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-21\/chapter-I\/subchapter-B\/part-101\/subpart-A\/section-101.12\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed<\/a> (RACC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Allergen Declaration Errors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forgetting to declare allergens under FALCPA (Big 9: milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using vague terms like \u201cmay contain\u201d without a basis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manufacturer\/Distributor Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Missing \u201cManufactured for\u201d or \u201cDistributed by\u201d when not the actual producer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Omitting full address (City, State, ZIP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Claims & Misleading Marketing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Making unauthorized health claims (\u201cBoosts immunity,\u201d \u201cAnti-inflammatory\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using \u201cnatural\u201d in misleading ways (when a product contains synthetic anti-caking agents)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Claiming \u201corganic\u201d without USDA certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some nutritional claims will require an NFP on the label, regardless of the small business exemption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Formatting & Placement Violations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Required info printed in fonts that are <strong>too small<\/strong> (<1\/16 inch)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor contrast (e.g., white text on a light background)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Putting required information on <strong>non-adjacent panels<\/strong> (e.g., splitting ingredients and Nutrition Facts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FDA Oversight of 21 CFR Part 101 (Spice Label Compliance)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FDA monitors new products (both established brands and private-label products) entering the U.S. market for food labeling requirements. (<strong>Fig 3<\/strong>) Monitoring mechanisms include routine facility inspections and responses to complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fdahq.jpg\" alt=\"FDA headquarters \" class=\"wp-image-1201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fdahq.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fdahq-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fdahq-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fdahq-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Fig 3<\/strong>: FDA, Silver Spring, MD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top: 100px\"><\/div>\t<!-- wp:html -->\n\t<div class=\"col-xl-12 text-center ad-promo-fix\">\n\t\t<h3>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" draggable=\"false\" role=\"img\" class=\"emoji\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf1f\"\n\t\t\t     src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/svg\/1f31f.svg\">\n\t\t\tPartner with Vanns Spices\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<p class=\"ad-promo-fix\">\n\t\t\tFrom custom blends to private label, low MOQs, and SQF Certified\u2014start your request today!\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<a href=\"\/journal\/partner-with-vanns-spices\" class=\"ad-promo-btn-fix\" data-btn=\"Contract Manufacturing\">\n\t\t\tGet Started\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\t\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1197,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-qa","category-spice-packaging"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1153"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1511,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1153\/revisions\/1511"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vannsspices.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}