US food label requirements for imported food
Last updated: 17 October 2026. Confirm each point with FDA and US Customs and Border Protection before you print.
Packaged food sold in the US must carry specific statements on its label, in English. FDA does not approve labels before shipment, but it examines and samples imported food, including labeling. Country of origin marking is a separate rule, enforced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What FDA expects on the label.
- Statement of identity (21 CFR 101.3). It appears on the principal display panel, in bold type.
- Net quantity of contents (21 CFR 101.7). It appears on the principal display panel, in most cases within the bottom 30 percent.
- Ingredient list (21 CFR 101.4), in descending order of predominance by weight.
- Name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor (21 CFR 101.5).
- Nutrition labeling (21 CFR 101.9) for packaged food unless exempt. FDA says nutrition labeling is voluntary for raw produce and fish.
- Major allergens. See the next section.
- English. Labeling must be in English, or in the predominant language of a US territory where that is not English, such as Spanish in Puerto Rico.
The principal display panel is the part of the label most likely to be displayed at retail. The information panel is generally the part immediately to its right, and several required items may appear on either panel (21 CFR 101.2). Letters and numbers generally have a minimum height of one sixteenth of an inch, with separate size rules for net quantity. The Nutrition Facts format has detailed rules, so read 21 CFR 101.9 for it.
Allergen declaration.
Nine foods are major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Sesame was added by the FASTER Act and applies from 1 January 2023. The food source of each major allergen must appear at least once on the label, either in parentheses after the ingredient (for example "lecithin (soy)") or in a "Contains" statement next to the ingredient list. Tree nut types, fish species and crustacean shellfish species must be named.
Country of origin marking.
US Customs and Border Protection enforces this, not FDA. Every imported article, or its container, must be marked in English with the name of its country of origin (19 CFR 134.11). The marking must be conspicuous, legible, indelible and permanent as far as the article allows. The full English country name is required, although unmistakable abbreviations are acceptable (19 CFR 134.45). Unmarked articles can face an additional 10 percent duty on the appraised value, and delivery can be withheld until the article is marked (19 CFR 134.2 and 134.3). Exceptions exist, so read 19 CFR Part 134 for your product.
What FDA does not do.
FDA does not pre-approve importers, products, labels or shipments. It does routinely examine shipments and collect samples, including to check labeling. Entry data must also be accurate and complete, because errors can delay review.
Checks to run before you print.
- Check that the statement of identity is on the principal display panel in bold, and matches the product name on the invoice and entry.
- Check the net quantity statement for position, units and size, and compare it with the weights on the packing list.
- Reconcile the ingredient list with the current supplier specification, including additives and processing aids, and check the descending order.
- Check that every major allergen in the recipe is declared, by one of the two permitted methods, and that sesame is covered.
- Check that the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor is present.
- Check that a Nutrition Facts panel is present unless the product is exempt, and that its values match the recipe or laboratory data.
- Check that the country of origin is marked in English and matches the origin on the commercial invoice and certificates.
- Check every piece of label text is in English, and compare any translated panels with the master.
- Repeat the checks whenever the recipe, supplier or packaging changes. Keep a dated record of each check.
Where VeriPura fits.
VeriPura Food™ compares your shipment documents and label artwork with each other and with the rules for the destination, and lists findings: matches, mismatches, items to review and checks that could not run. Your team makes the decision.
Common questions.
Does FDA approve food labels before import?
No. FDA does not pre-approve importers, products, labels or shipments. It does routinely examine shipments and collect samples, including to check labeling.
Which allergens must be declared on US food labels?
Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Sesame has applied since 1 January 2023. Each must appear at least once, in parentheses after the ingredient or in a Contains statement.
Who checks country of origin marking?
US Customs and Border Protection. Unmarked articles can face an additional 10 percent duty on the appraised value, and delivery can be withheld until they are marked.
Sources.
- FDA, Human foods overview for imported products
- FDA, Food allergies
- FDA, Food Labeling Guide
- eCFR, 21 CFR Part 101, Food labeling
- eCFR, 19 CFR Part 134, Country of origin marking
This guide is information, not legal advice. Read the regulation text and FDA's current guidance before you print.