What Information must be lawfully provided on food labels?

1. Product Name: The product name must accurately describe the food item without being misleading.
2. Net Quantity: The net quantity of the product must be clearly stated in appropriate units (e.g., weight in grams or kilograms, volume in milliliters or liters).
3. List of Ingredients: All ingredients used in the product must be listed in descending order of their proportion in the food. Allergenic ingredients need to be emphasized or highlighted.
4. Nutrition Information: A nutrition facts panel must be included, providing essential information such as calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and other nutrients as required.
5. Date Labeling: The date labeling requirement varies depending on the type of food product. It can be a "use-by" date indicating when the product should be consumed for safety reasons, a "best-before" date indicating when the product retains its best quality, or a "sell-by" date guiding retailers when to remove the item from the shelves.
6. Manufacturer or Distributor Information: The name and address of the manufacturer or distributor responsible for the food product should be provided.
7. Storage Instructions: If specific storage conditions are required to maintain the quality and safety of the food, appropriate storage instructions should be included on the label.
8. Allergen Labeling: Allergenic ingredients must be clearly highlighted or emphasized within the ingredient list, typically in bold or capitalized text. Common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
9. Warning Statements: Certain food products may require warning statements if they contain potential hazards, such as a choking hazard for young children or a warning about consuming raw or undercooked products.
10. Nutrition Claims: If the label makes any nutrition claims (e.g., low-fat, high-protein), they must be supported by scientific evidence and comply with specific regulations and guidelines.

It's important for food manufacturers and distributors to ensure that their labels accurately represent the product and provide all the necessary information to consumers, as required by relevant food labeling regulations.