LabelCalc is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative, new Simplified Labeling feature that allows users to create streamlined versions of their food labels that are still perfectly formatted and compliant with FDA requirements.
FDA Nutrient Requirements for Food Labels
Normally when you create a label for food packaging, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that 15 key nutrients (Calories, Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, Total Carbs, Dietary Fiber, Sugars, Added Sugars, Protein, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium) are included. In addition, there are another 30 voluntary nutrients that can be added, if necessary.
The FDA also requires manufacturers to include recommended serving sizes, an ingredients and allergen statement, and more. There are strict rules about the formatting of these labels – with line spacing, font size, and layouts specified and uniform, so consumers can see all the information clearly.
Understandably, this can take up a significant amount of real estate on a packet.
Benefits of the Simplified Labeling Feature
But if you’re selling a product that doesn’t contain lots of nutrients or vitamins, most of those fields just aren’t necessary.
When it doesn’t make sense having an oversized label wasting space on the back of your packet with zeros filling many fields, LabelCalc can help you produce a considerably smaller label that still complies with the various rules. That means manufacturers can reclaim space for pictures, graphics or marketing to help grab the attention of their customers.
Eligibility for Simplified Labels
Use of the Simplified Label is only allowed under the following circumstances as stated in the regulations: “The declaration of nutrition information may be presented in the simplified format set forth herein when a food product contains insignificant amounts of eight or more of the following: Calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.” Citation: 21 CFR 101.9(f)
This may sound complicated, but the good news is that LabelCalc determines the eligibility for you.
How the Simplified Labeling Feature Works
Based on the recipe and serving size entered into the system, LabelCalc now instantly determines whether it qualifies for a Simplified Label – greying out and disabling the option if it doesn’t meet the requirements. If it does, a quick click of a button takes care of all the spacing and formatting, creating a perfectly sized label ready for printing. Our software even factors in all the rounding rules and other FDA requirements too.
Our new Simplified Labeling feature is available now for all LabelCalc users.
About LabelCalc
LabelCalc, a Datacor company, is used by food manufacturers worldwide to generate accurate nutrition facts labels quickly and easily. Within just a few mouse clicks, the intuitive and user-friendly software compiles relevant information about ingredients, nutrition information, serving sizes, and allergens – all correctly formatted and compliant with the latest FDA rules. Not only is it proven to save a lot of time, but there’s also no need to worry about any calculations or math behind the scenes – LabelCalc does all the hard work for you!
If you have any questions about our trusted software solution, email Tracy Herb, Product Owner – LabelCalc, at tlherb@datacor.com. To get a quote or request a demo, visit https://labelcalc.com/contact-us/.