What Regulates Food Labeling in the US? An Essential Guide

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 USDA consumer survey, nearly two-thirds of shoppers want clear and authentic origin information on their food. But what regulates food labeling in the US? The answer is a complex system involving multiple federal agencies and legislation, primarily the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), that work to ensure products are safe and accurately represented.

Quick Summary

The United States relies on a multi-agency system, primarily the FDA and USDA, to oversee food labeling standards. These regulations govern everything from nutritional facts and ingredients to allergen declarations and product claims, ensuring consistency and transparency for consumers.

Key Points

Dual Federal Oversight: The FDA regulates the majority of packaged foods, produce, and seafood, while the USDA's FSIS oversees meat, poultry, and certain egg products.
Primary Regulatory Acts: Key federal laws include the FD&C Act, NLEA, and FALCPA for FDA-regulated foods, and the FMIA and PPIA for USDA-regulated products.
Mandatory vs. Self-Enforced: USDA requires pre-approval for labels on meat and poultry, whereas the FDA places the responsibility for compliance directly on the manufacturer for general foods.
Essential Label Elements: All food labels must include a statement of identity, net quantity of contents, ingredient list, and manufacturer details, with a Nutrition Facts panel for most processed foods.
Allergen Transparency: The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates clear labeling of the nine major food allergens to protect public health.
Evolving Regulations: Recent updates include new USDA rules for "Product of USA" claims and proposed FDA rules for front-of-package nutritional labeling to increase transparency.

The U.S. food labeling landscape is a complex web of laws, rules, and regulatory bodies designed to protect public health and prevent consumer deception. Navigating this system is crucial for manufacturers, distributors, and consumers alike. The two primary federal agencies involved are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), each with distinct areas of oversight.

The Dual Regulatory System: FDA vs. USDA

The most significant source of complexity in U.S. food labeling is the division of responsibility between the FDA and USDA. The agency that regulates a particular food product is determined by its composition. While the FDA has broad authority, the USDA focuses on specific animal products.

The Role of the FDA

The FDA regulates the labeling of most packaged foods, including beverages, produce, seafood, and dietary supplements. Its authority stems from foundational acts like the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and subsequent legislation. The FDA is responsible for standardizing key label information, including:

Nutrition Facts Panel: Requires a standardized format detailing calories, fat, sodium, protein, and other key nutrients based on a serving size.
Ingredient Statement: Mandates that ingredients be listed by their common or usual name in descending order of weight.
Allergen Declaration: Enforces the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), requiring the clear declaration of the nine major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame).
Net Quantity of Contents: Ensures the label accurately states the quantity of food in the package in both U.S. customary and metric units.
Nutrient Content Claims: Regulates terms like "low-fat," "high-fiber," or "healthy" to ensure they meet specific, science-backed criteria.

The Role of the USDA

The USDA, specifically its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), regulates the labeling of meat, poultry, and certain egg products. Unlike the FDA, the USDA requires that all labels for these products be pre-approved before they can be used in commerce. USDA regulations are grounded in acts like the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Key USDA labeling requirements include:

Mandatory Inspection Legend: A USDA seal of inspection must be prominently displayed on all regulated products.
Product Name and Origin: New rules ensure that products labeled "Product of USA" or "Made in the USA" truly reflect their American origin from birth to processing.
HACCP System: Facilities are required to implement a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system to control potential hazards.
Label Pre-Approval: FSIS mandates pre-approval for labels to verify accuracy and prevent misleading claims, a process that can involve a review of formulation, processing, and handling procedures.

Comparison of FDA and USDA Labeling Requirements


Feature	FDA (General Food)	USDA (Meat, Poultry, Egg Products)
Governing Authority	Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA), FALCPA	Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, Egg Products Inspection Act
Scope	Majority of packaged foods, produce, seafood, and dietary supplements	Meat (≥3% raw, ≥2% cooked), poultry (≥2% cooked), and certain processed egg products
Label Approval	Does not pre-approve most food labels; responsibility falls to the manufacturer	Requires mandatory pre-approval of all product labels by the FSIS
Inspection Frequency	Risk-based and less frequent than USDA	Continuous inspection at processing facilities and slaughterhouses
Allergen Labeling	FALCPA requires specific declaration of the 9 major allergens	Requires a comprehensive allergen control program, though FALCPA applies specifically to FDA-regulated foods

Other Federal Regulations and Recent Updates

Beyond the primary agencies, other regulations and updates shape the food labeling environment.

Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA): Enacted in 1966, this act mandates that all consumer commodities, including food, be clearly and truthfully labeled with a statement of identity and the net quantity of contents. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces this act for most consumer goods, with the FDA and USDA enforcing it for food items under their respective jurisdictions.
Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (GMO Labeling): This federal law requires manufacturers to disclose if a food contains bioengineered ingredients. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees these regulations, which use a symbol or text to inform consumers.
Proposed Front-of-Package Labeling (FDA): In early 2025, the FDA proposed a new rule to add mandatory front-of-package labels for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This is designed to give consumers quick, scannable nutritional information to complement the more detailed back-of-package Nutrition Facts panel.

The Role of States and Self-Regulation

It is also important to note that while federal law establishes a baseline, some states may impose additional labeling requirements. For example, California's Proposition 65 requires warnings for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Additionally, industries and third-party certifiers establish voluntary labeling standards for claims such as "Organic," "Kosher," or "Vegan". These additional layers ensure a robust system of oversight, though they also add to the complexity for manufacturers and consumers.

The Importance of Continued Updates

As the food industry evolves with new products, processing methods, and consumer needs, so do the regulations. The ongoing efforts by the FDA to update the Nutrition Facts panel and implement front-of-package labeling demonstrate the system's adaptability. These changes reflect a continued commitment to public health and the right of consumers to have access to transparent and accurate information about the food they eat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the regulation of food labeling in the U.S. is a collaborative effort between the FDA, USDA, and other federal agencies. This intricate system is designed to provide consumers with transparent and reliable information, covering everything from nutritional content and ingredients to allergen warnings and origin. For manufacturers, adherence is critical for ensuring public safety and consumer confidence. For the average shopper, understanding this multi-layered system empowers them to make healthier, more informed purchasing decisions and supports a fair, competitive marketplace. Ultimately, these regulations act as a critical safeguard in the food supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the types of food products each agency regulates. The FDA oversees the labeling for most packaged foods, produce, and seafood, while the USDA’s FSIS is responsible for meat, poultry, and certain egg products.

USDA requires mandatory pre-approval of labels for meat, poultry, and processed egg products. The FDA, however, does not pre-approve labels for general food products; the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compliance.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that packaged foods clearly declare if they contain any of the nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

Both the FDA and USDA regulate claims depending on the food product. The FDA defines specific criteria for claims like "low-fat" or "healthy," while the USDA oversees claims for meat and poultry products.

The FPLA is a 1966 law that requires all consumer products, including food, to be clearly and truthfully labeled with a statement of identity and the net quantity of contents. The FTC, FDA, and USDA all share enforcement responsibilities.

Exemptions can apply to raw agricultural commodities like fruits and vegetables, foods sold by small businesses meeting specific sales thresholds, or foods with a very small packaging surface area.

Imported foods must meet the same U.S. labeling and safety standards as domestic products. Both the FDA and USDA work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure compliance, sometimes requiring oversight from both agencies for multi-ingredient items.

In 2025, the FDA proposed a new rule to mandate front-of-package labels on packaged foods, highlighting key nutritional information such as saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.