Frequently Asked Questions

We cover this in more detail in our US Food Labeling course. The answer is YES. However, it depends on what is meant by "shipping containers". Are those used to transport fully labeled commodities or are they packaged food products themselves?  Shipping contains are excused from certain labeling requirements such as nutrition facts in the absence of nutrient content claims. Certain exceptions noted in 21 CFR  §101.100 may also apply. 

If you wish to learn more join us in our U.S. Food Labeling under FDA course.

The answer is NO. The inclusion of languages other than English is voluntary. However, consider that Spanish is spoken at home in the US by 42 million people. About 57 million people in the US speak Spanish. The inclusion of Spanish on a food label may be an important marketing consideration. Please bear in mind that 21 CFR  §101.15(c) speaks to language language requirements. When a foreign language is used on a label, all mandatory information prescribed by Federal law is also required to appear in that language.

The answer is NO, but it is conditional. The condition that the label, labeling or any advertisement of the food does not include any nutrient content claims. Such a claim would oblige the label of such packaged food to include an NFP, (21 CFR §101.9(j)(2)(iv) / 21 CFR 101.13(n)).