Which Label Template Should You Choose?
- Jill Hohnstein (Unlicensed)
Once you have entered a name for your label, and chosen United States as the authority, there are a variety of Label templates you can choose from. In order to be compliant, you should make sure you are making the correct selection. This guide will help you decide, but please consult the CFR before making a final decision.
U.S. Labels
Standard
This is the most common label format. You should use this template whenever possible.
Use this for:
Packages with ≥ 40 sq. inches of printing space (approximately the surface area of a pint of cream)
Packages that contain <200% or >300% of the RACC for this product type
Packages that contain only one product.
Tabular
If the package does not have enough continuous vertical space or the total available space is less than 40 sq. inches, you may use the tabular (horizontal) format.
Use this for:
Packages with < 40 sq. inches of printing space (approximately the surface area of a pint of cream); or
Packages with not enough continuous vertical space (~3 inches)
Packages that contain <200% or >300% of the RACC for this product type
Packages that contain only one product.
Tabular for Small Packages
If the available printing space is 12 square inches or less, and the shape cannot accommodate the standard or regular tabular formats, you may use the small-package tabular template.
Use this for:
Packages with ≤ 12 sq. inches of printing space; or
Packages with ≤ 40 sq. inches of printing space that cannot accommodate a standard or tabular layout due to size or shape
Packages that contain <200% or >300% of the RACC for this product type
Packages that contain only one product.
Linear
Use this only when your package will not accommodate any of the other templates.
Dual Column
This label is required when the total contents of the package are between 200% and 300% of the RACC for the product. When this holds true, a column listing the quantitative and % daily value amounts of one serving is required, as well as a column listing the quantitative and % daily value amounts of the entire container.
This label is optional for products that require preparation with additional foods, such as cake or a bowl of cereal. One column will show the quantitative and % daily value amounts of the product as is and one column will show the quantitative and % daily value amounts of the product as prepared.
Aggregate
The Aggregate Label is used when individual items are packaged together (a variety pack of breakfast cereals, for example). Information for each item is listed in a separate column. There is no tabular or linear option for this label type.
Simplified
The Simplified option may be used if seven or more of the following nutrients are present in “insignificant amounts”: calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.