1. Mandatory Labeling Features

The FSIS mandates that certain information must appear on labels of meat, poultry, and egg products. These mandatory features include: Food Safety and Inspection Service

• Product Name: The common or usual name of the product.
• Inspection Legend and Establishment Number: Indicates that the product has been inspected and passed by the USDA.
• Net Quantity of Contents Statement: Specifies the amount of product in the package.
• Ingredients Statement: Lists all ingredients in descending order of predominance.
• Address Line: Provides the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
• Handling Statement: Includes any special handling instructions, such as "Keep Refrigerated."
• Nutrition Facts Panel: Displays nutritional information as required.
• Safe Handling Instructions: Required for raw or partially cooked products to ensure safe preparation by consumers. Food Safety and Inspection Service

2. Label Panels

Labels are divided into specific panels where certain information must be placed:

• Principal Display Panel (PDP): The part of the label most likely to be seen by the consumer at the time of purchase. It must include the product name, net quantity statement, and the inspection legend.
• Information Panel: Located immediately to the right of the PDP, it should contain the ingredients statement, address line, nutrition facts panel, and safe handling instructions.

3. Label Approval Process

Before labels can be used, they must undergo an approval process:

• Sketch Approval: Preliminary approval of label design and content.
• Final Approval: Granted after the label has been reviewed and meets all regulatory requirements.

Some labels may qualify for Generic Approval, allowing certain changes without resubmission, provided they meet specific criteria outlined by the FSIS.

Label Diagram for a 4" x 5" Label

While the FSIS guide provides detailed descriptions of label requirements, it does not include specific diagrams for label layouts. However, based on the information provided, a 4" x 5" label should be organized as follows:

This is an example will need a mockup label branded to let say "New York Tenderloin" etc..

Notes:

• Product Name: Should be prominently displayed on the PDP.
• Inspection Legend and Net Weight: Placed on the PDP, typically near the bottom.
• Safe Handling Instructions: Required for raw or partially cooked products, usually located near the PDP.
• Ingredients Statement, Nutrition Facts Panel, and Manufacturer's Information: Located on the Information Panel, immediately to the right of the PDP.

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