FALCPA Labeling Requirements: What Food Manufacturers and Suppliers Need to Know

Enhancing food safety and transparency about ingredients is a priority for global food regulatory agencies. In the U.S., the FDA has introduced significant updates to food labeling, particularly through the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), which requires clear allergen labeling.

This guide will help food manufacturers and suppliers understand the key FALCPA labeling requirements, why they matter, and best practices for compliance.

What is FALCPA?

To protect consumers with food allergies, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) was enacted in 2004. This law requires clear labeling of common allergens on packaged food products, addressing a significant public health concern.

For food manufacturers and suppliers, complying with FALCPA is not just a matter of legal obligation - it's also about consumer trust.

Failure to comply with FALCPA allergen labeling regulations could result in penalties, recalls, or legal action, but more importantly, it can severely damage your brand's reputation. Consumers today are increasingly health-conscious and sensitive about what they put into their bodies. A lack of clear allergen information could lead to consumer distrust, lost sales, and reduced customer loyalty.

Key FALCPA Labeling Requirements You Need to Know

1. Clear Allergen Identification

According to the FALCPA, food labels must list any of the "Big 8" allergens including

● Milk

● Eggs

● Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)

● Peanuts

● Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts)

● Wheat

● Soybeans

● Crustacean shellfish (e.g., shrimp, lobster, crab)  

With the implementation of the FASTER Act in 2023, sesame is now classified as the ninth major allergen requiring labeling.

Food labels must explicitly declare sesame and its derivatives, such as sesame oil and tahini. These allergens above account for over 90% of food allergy cases in the U.S. and must be clearly listed on the packaging.

2. Allergen Formatting and Placement Requirements

The FDA requires manufacturers to declare allergens either in the ingredient list or separately under a "Contains" statement.

● Within the Ingredients List: Allergens must be listed by their common name (e.g., "milk,""peanuts") in the ingredients section. For example:

Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, milk, peanut oil.

● As a Separate "Contains" Statement: A standalone "Contains" statement must follow the ingredients list, explicitly listing allergens. For example:

Contains: Milk, Peanuts, Wheat. 

This statement must be easily visible and placed in a consistent location on the package.

3. Cross-Contamination Disclosure

While not mandatory under FALCPA, the FDA encourages manufacturers to include advisory statements when there is a risk of cross-contact with allergens during production. Examples of such statements include:

● May contain traces of peanuts.

● Produced in a facility that processes nuts and soy.

These precautionary labels aim to alert consumers to potential allergen exposure and help them make informed decisions.

4. Key Details of Allergen Labeling Requirements

● Font Size and Contrast: Allergen declarations must be easy to read, with a font size of at least 6-point and clear contrast with the background.

● Specific Names: Categories like tree nuts and fish must specify the exact type, such as "almond" or "salmon," rather than generic terms like "nuts" or "fish."

Allergen Labeling Tips for Food Manufacturers and Suppliers

1. Labeling Software and Automation

Investing in labeling software or automation tools can streamline the process of compliance with FALCPA. These tools can help ensure your labels are accurate and consistent across different product lines, saving time and reducing errors.

For example, HPRT's industrial label printers and thermal transfer overprinters can be seamlessly integrated into food production and packaging lines, enabling efficient ingredient lists labeling and product information coding. This helps companies enhance production efficiency and improve compliance standards.

2. Stay Current with Regulations

FDA rules around allergen labeling can evolve, so it's essential to stay informed.

For example, the updated Nutrition Facts label now requires that food labels clearly indicate the amount of "Added Sugars." This change empowers consumers to reduce their sugar intake and make healthier choices, which may also affect your label layout.

Regularly check the FDA website and industry updates to ensure compliance.

3. Educate Your Team

Ensure that your production teams, packaging departments, and quality control staff understand the importance of allergen labeling and the potential risks of cross-contamination. A robust in-house training program can prevent labeling mistakes.

4. Consider Consumer Feedback

Monitor customer feedback and complaints regarding allergen information. This can help you improve your allergen labeling practices and better address consumer concerns. Transparent and clear communication can help build brand loyalty.

For food manufacturers and suppliers, FALCPA allergen labeling is a critical part of regulatory compliance and consumer safety. By implementing clear allergen labeling, staying up to date with the latest regulations, and investing in efficient labeling solutions, you can ensure your products remain safe and compliant - and ultimately, keep your customers healthy and loyal.

HPRT offers advanced food labeling and coding solutions tailored to the specific needs of food manufacturers and processors. Our technologies, from date coding and nutritional labeling to tracking with barcodes and 2D codes, integrate seamlessly into your packaging workflows.

HPRT empowers food manufacturers to enhance product traceability, ensure compliance with stringent regulations, and elevate your brand reputation. Contact us today to discover your ideal food labeling solution!