If you sell food products—whether at a farmers market, online, or in retail—you may wonder whether you need a nutrition label. The answer depends on your business size, product type, and where you sell.
When Nutrition Labels Are Required
The FDA requires Nutrition Facts panels on most packaged foods sold in the United States. This includes:
- Packaged foods sold at retail (grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.)
- Foods sold online for direct consumer purchase
- Multi-ingredient prepared foods (e.g., sauces, baked goods, meal kits)
- Single-ingredient packaged foods in certain categories
Exemptions and Exceptions
Not every food product needs a label. Common exemptions include:
Small business exemption: If your business has fewer than a certain number of full-time employees and limited food sales, you may be exempt. The exact thresholds are defined by the FDA and have changed over time—check current regulations.
Raw produce and seafood: Raw fruits, vegetables, and fish sold without added ingredients are generally exempt when sold in their natural form.
Restaurant and food service: Foods prepared and sold for immediate consumption (e.g., restaurant meals, cafeteria items) typically do not require Nutrition Facts panels on the menu, though some jurisdictions have calorie-posting rules.
Custom orders: Foods made to order for a specific customer may be exempt in some cases.
How to Determine Your Status
- Check FDA guidance for your product category and business size.
- Consider your distribution—selling at retail or online to consumers usually triggers the requirement.
- Use a nutrition label generator like LabelAgent to create compliant labels once you determine you need them.
When in doubt, consulting a food regulatory expert or using an FDA-compliant nutrition label generator can help you stay on the right side of the rules.