Meta Description: Stay compliant and consumer-friendly with this guide to designing product labels that meet updated FDA and FSMA requirements. Learn best practices and how Leapin’ Lizard Labels can help.
In today’s competitive and regulated market, designing a product label isn’t just about branding—it’s about compliance, clarity, and consumer safety. With the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) enforcing stricter labeling rules, it’s essential for brands in the food, beverage, supplement, and cosmetic sectors to stay current and compliant.
But where do you start?
This guide walks you through the latest FDA and FSMA labeling requirements, common pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for designing labels that are both compliant and captivating. Whether you’re a startup in a shared kitchen or a growing CPG brand, understanding these standards will keep your products on shelves and out of regulatory hot water.
Labeling is one of the most visible ways consumers interact with your product—but it’s also a legally regulated space. Failure to comply with labeling standards can result in:
The FSMA shifted focus from responding to contamination to preventing it. This includes traceability requirements and ensuring the labeling clearly communicates allergens, nutrition facts, and product claims. The FDA enforces these through various labeling guidelines, depending on product type.
Under FSMA’s Section 204(d), certain high-risk foods require enhanced traceability records. While not always affecting consumer-facing labels, this regulation is influencing lot coding, batch information, and scannable traceability barcodes.
Labeling must ensure accurate allergen information, especially for co-manufactured products. FSMA stresses cross-contact prevention, which may lead to more detailed allergen disclosures.
If you’re using international ingredients, you must verify that those suppliers follow FDA safety and labeling standards. Mislabeling imported products is a common FSMA violation.
Keep the most critical consumer info readable and accessible. Bold the product name, use smart spacing, and ensure claims don’t crowd out mandatory content.
Use legible fonts with good contrast. Avoid reverse type on dark backgrounds unless the font is large and bold.
QR codes, batch tracking, and smart labels are becoming standard in FSMA traceability compliance.
Leave unprinted white space or matte finish areas for date coding or batch stamping required by FSMA traceability rules.
Navigating FDA and FSMA regulations is complex—but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Leapin’ Lizard Labels, we specialize in helping brands create stunning labels that check all the regulatory boxes. Our experienced team knows how to:
We also offer small-batch runs with same-day printing or 3–5 day turnarounds for fast label updates or new SKU launches.
Need help redesigning your packaging after a regulation change? Want a second set of eyes on your label before launch? We’ve got your back—from first concept to final print. Contact our team to get started today!
Designing a label that’s both eye-catching and FDA/FSMA compliant is a delicate balance—but it’s one worth mastering. Your label is more than just a brand touchpoint—it’s your legal protection, your customer’s assurance, and your chance to build trust.
By following the best practices in this guide—and working with a knowledgeable partner like Leapin’ Lizard Labels—you can ensure that your labels don’t just look good on the shelf, they stand up to regulatory scrutiny as well.
A: It depends. Small businesses that sell directly to consumers (like at farmers markets) may be exempt, but once you distribute through retail or online, labeling requirements increase. Always check with your local state and FDA guidelines.
A: This can result in product recalls or FDA action. Accurate allergen labeling is one of the most enforced labeling rules under FSMA.
A: The FDA has not formally defined “natural,” but it must not be misleading. Avoid implying that your product is organic or free from synthetic ingredients unless you can prove it.
A: Foods and beverages use Nutrition Facts, while dietary supplements require Supplement Facts. The formatting and required disclosures differ—using the wrong one can lead to penalties.
A: Absolutely. Our team frequently reviews labels for FDA and FSMA compliance and can help identify missing content, formatting errors, or risk areas before print.