What You Need to Know About Food Labels

From the manufacturer to the retail stores and ending at the consumer, direct food quality labels cover the packaging industry’s technical requirements and the brand. Custom food label printing need to comply with various changing regulations, but they should also be pleasingly aesthetic while being extremely accurate and functional.

Food safe labels are categorized into two forms: indirect contact or direct contact. Direct contact labels typically require a special varnish or adhesive because they often adhere to produce such as fruits and vegetables. Indirect food contact labels are designed with barriers and usually attach to boxes or bags containing the food product.

Keep reading to discover how food grade stickers must adhere to specific FDA regulations for indirect and direct food safe stickers.

What Info Has to be on a Food Label?

To be in FDA compliance, food safe labels are required to follow a specific format and serve as a nutrition information panel. 

It should display the food’s content of:

  • Fat 

  • Protein

  • Energy

  • Carbohydrates

  • Saturated fat

  • Sodium

  • Sugars

 

It is also important to note that health claims for curing, treating, or preventing diseases are prohibited on food products labels. Therefore, direct food contact labels containing drug claims should be discarded and reported to the FDA. 

FDA Regulations for Direct Food Contact Labels

Since food grade labels are applied directly to raw foods, the FDA regulates the label materials with the utmost care and scrutiny. They also regulate the types of adhesives used for direct contact labels for vegetables, fruits, or other fresh food products.

The type of food label you need depends on the product and the food grade stickers’ placement. For example, food safe stickers used on a banana peel or orange are considered indirect food contact labels because they don’t directly touch the food product. However, the FDA still categorizes this label as an “indirect food additive.”

The Use of Food Grade Labels

According to the federal regulations of Section 175.105 and Title 21, adhesives can be used for direct food contact labels if a working barrier is present. A functional barrier consists of materials that prevent contact between the food and the label and keep it from penetrating the food.

Labels for food products are commonly used for price look-up codes (PLU), logo stickers, and flexible packaging.

Determining the Adhesive

Determining the type of adhesive to use depends on the food, substances on both sides of the label, and the barrier’s functionality. In most cases, the label printing company will already know the proper adhesive to use for food safe labels based on the food product itself.

One of the most significant factors for determining the proper adhesive to use is selecting one that doesn’t compromise consumer safety or the food product’s quality. Food grade stickers that utilize the right glue for meeting industry standards are vital for staying in FDA compliance.

Where to Get Direct Food Contact Labels Printed?

At Baytech Label, we provide a wide range of food safe stickers, with many already in stock. We can customize your direct food contact labels to comply with FDA regulations while being unique and appealing.

Baytech Label offers competitive and affordable pricing for manufacturers and businesses that need indirect and direct food contact labels. We provide adhesives that don’t leave residues on the products’ surfaces, thanks to our multi-layer technology and acrylate-based dispersion adhesive.