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New FDA Nutrition Facts Label Rules

Uncategorized

FDA Nutrition Facts Label Updates for Food, Beverage & Supplements 

FDA Nutrition Facts Label, FDA Label Updates, Food & Beverage Labels

FDA Nutrition Facts Label requirements are being updated and require companies to modify their food, beverage and supplement panel. Companies earning >$10m must comply by 1/1/2020. Companies earning <$10m must comply by 1/1/2021. Learn more about the required updates, format for compliance,  and how the new standards impact your business. The standards were announced on May 20, 2016, and the deadline for compliance is fast approaching. 

 

Major Changes

 

  • New label design to highlight calories and serving sizes
  • Removal of “Calories from Fat”
  • Added sugars now required on label
  • Updated Daily Values for several nutrients like Sodium,
  • Dietary Fiber, Vitamin D
  • Vitamins and Minerals amounts required on label
  • Changes in required nutrients (Vitamin D & Potassium) versus no longer required (Vitamin A and C)
  • Definition of fiber and allowable fibers
  • Changes to Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs) and serving sizes
  • Dual Column label for packages that contain 200% and up to and including 300% of the standard serving size

 

Published Final Rules

Food Labeling for Food & Supplements: https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-11867

Serving Sized and Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed: https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-11865

 

At a Glance: Highlights of the Final Nutrition Facts Label

The FDA today finalized the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods to reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The new label will make it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices.

Features a Refreshed Design

  • The “iconic” look of the label remains, but we are making important updates to ensure consumers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about the foods they eat. These changes include increasing the type size for “Calories,” “Servings per Container,” and the “Serving size” declaration, and bolding the number of calories and the“Serving size” declaration to highlight this information.
  • Manufacturers must declare the actual amount, in addition to percent Daily Value of vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. They can voluntarily declare the gram amount for other vitamins and minerals.
  • The footnote is changing to better explain what percent Daily Value means. It will read: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”

 

Reflects Updated Information about Nutrition Science

  • “Added sugars,” in grams and as percent Daily Value, will be included on the label. Scientific data shows that it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugar, and this is consistent with the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • The list of nutrients that are required or permitted to be declared is being updated. Vitamin D and potassium will be required on the label. Calcium and iron will continue to be required. Vitamins A and C will no longer be required but can be included on a voluntary basis.
  • While continuing to require “Total Fat,” “Saturated Fat,” and “Trans Fat” on the label, “Calories from Fat” is being removed because research shows the type of fat is more important than the amount.
  • Daily values for nutrients like sodium, dietary fiber and vitamin D are being updated based on newer scientific evidence from the Institute of Medicine and other reports such as the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, which was used in developing the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Daily values are reference amounts of nutrients to consume or not to exceed and are used to calculate the percent Daily Value (% DV) that manufacturers include on the label. The % DV helps consumers understand the nutrition information in the context of a total daily diet.

 

Updates Serving Sizes and Labeling Requirements for Certain Package Sizes

  • By law, serving sizes must be based on amounts of foods and beverages that people are actually eating, not what they should be eating. How much people eat and drink has changed since the previous serving size requirements were published in 1993. For example, the reference amount used to set a serving of ice cream was previously ½ cup but is changing to ⅔ cup. The reference amount used to set a serving of soda is changing from 8 ounces to 12 ounces.
  • Package size affects what people eat. So for packages that are between one and two servings, such as a 20 ounce soda or a 15-ounce can of soup, the calories and other nutrients will be required to be labeled as one serving because people typically consume it in one sitting.
  • For certain products that are larger than a single serving but that could be consumed in one sitting or multiple sittings, manufacturers will have to provide “dual column” labels to indicate the amount of calories and nutrients on both a “per serving” and “per package”/“per unit” basis. Examples would be a 24-ounce bottle of soda or a pint of ice cream. With dual-column labels available, people will be able to easily understand how many calories and nutrients they are getting if they eat or drink the entire package/unit at one time.

For more information about the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label updates or to request assistance updating your label artwork please contact sales@imageteklabels.com or call (866) 403-5223.

 

  

Leverage the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Panel Updates – 5 Simple Steps

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The FDA’s nutrition facts panel updates are consumer driven. Consumers are demanding transparency from their preferred brands so they can make more informed buying decisions.

food labels, custom labels

The FDA’s nutrition facts panel update represents a fantastic opportunity for food brands who want to capture market share by educating consumers about their products and their nutritional value.  We’ve gone ahead and made a short-list of things you can do to leverage the nutrition label updates and turn a burdensome regulation into a marketable opportunity.

5 Simple Steps to Get the Most of Nutrition Panel Updates 

1.    Know what your customers expect from your brand 
Pay close attention to the required changes to the nutrition panel, they offer valuable consumer insights. Determine which of your products speak to nutritional attributes and talk about it. Do your products compete in certain categories better than your competitor products do? Are they lower in calories? Made with natural or organic ingredients? Do they meet gluten-free, Keto, or Paleo lifestyle attributes? If so, make sure to list it on your packaging. Shoppers are checking specialty food labels now, more than ever before. Are you well aligned?

2.    Anticipate changes to serving sizes
Serving sizes must be updated to reflect an ‘actual’ serving size. After all, who eats exactly 28 nuts?  No-one. What will those changes look like for your brand? How will consumers respond to your nutrition label when the nutritionals reflect true to life serving sizes? Smart brands are getting ahead of these changes now and some are reformulating better-for-you recipes in preparation for the serving size nutrition panel changes.

3.    Revamp your labels and redesign them once 
Determine if other label design changes can be made at the same time you are updating your nutrition panels. Which of your packaging elements are critical to your product? What attributes can be removed? Does your label design speak to health-conscious consumers looking for products that fit their lifestyle? Today’s consumers want clean labels, short ingredients panels and food that is flavorful and nutritious.

4.    Assemble the right team
Get all the stakeholders on board and work as a team. Being able to coordinate all the packaging components is a group effort. Make sure your quality assurance team is working in tandem with your designers, marketing department and label printers to stay ahead of curveballs, lessen lead times, and meet compliance regulations.

5.    Request printed label proofs before you place an order
Packaging changes can be exciting. Nothing feels better than seeing the finished product hit store shelves with updated packaging but resist the urge to rush. Nutrition labels can be intricate and crisp lettering is imperative to consumers who want to find the information easily. There is no better way to make sure your design translates well, and is legible, than to request a digitally printed label proof before you place your order.

For expert advice on printing custom labels for specialty foods that meet the FDA’s standard of compliance please contact sales@imageteklabels.com.

Food Labeling Update: Standardized Date Labels Take Effect by 2020

Craft Brewers, Uncategorized

Food LabelingFood Labels: ‘Best if Used by’ and ‘Expiration Date’ Changes

Leading food and beverage companies from across the globe have joined forces in their pledge to standardize date labels on food and beverage products by 2020, in an effort to lessen consumer confusion, and give the industry a more eco-friendly footprint.

Today, food and beverage manufacturers have the option of dating their products with ‘sell by’, ‘use by’, ‘best before’ and ‘display until’ labels to indicate expiration dates, and the broad terminology has proven to be confusing for customers who are throwing away products before they’ve expired.

Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) to Cut Food Waste in Half by 2020

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) – a network of more than 400 of the largest consumer goods companies in the world, comprised of industry leaders like Campbell Soup, Nestlé, and Kellogg, have approved the labeling update.

CGF is committed to cutting food waste in half by 2020. The organization estimates the average American household throws away roughly $1,500.00 of food still within the use-by date, every year. CGF stated: “Food waste is a major contributor to climate change, emitting 8% of annual greenhouse gases.” The standardized labeling update will lessen consumer waste, in turn lessening the food industry’s impact on global climate change over time.

New Food Labeling Standards: Steps Towards Compliance

The new standards mean food and beverage producers need to take the required steps towards compliance. Moving forward, there will be one expiration date format for perishable items (e.g. ‘use by’) and one food quality indicator for non-perishable items (e.g. ‘best if used by’). Changes to your format, product packaging, and quality procedures should be made now, in advance of the deadline. You can learn more about the food labeling standard by reading the case of federal regulation published by the Food Law & Policy Clinic at Harvard University.

In addition to updating product labels, producers are encouraged to educate consumers about the shelf life and stability of their products on their website and in their marketing materials. Educating consumers about how to properly interpret expiration date information will result in less overall food waste, saving consumers money and helping to make the food manufacturing industry more sustainable.

For more information about the food and beverage labeling updates visit the Food & DrugAdministration’s (FDA) website.

Local Label Solutions – 3 New England Producers

Craft Brewers, Custom Labels, Food & Beverage, Health & Beauty, Non GMO, Nutrition Labels, Vermont

Our business has been rooted in Vermont for decades and in that time we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with some of New England’s leading, local brands. From specialty foods, to craft beer and hemp producers, we’ve teamed up with some of the areas most well-known companies, delivering custom label solutions that stick.

When it comes to labels and packaging, every business has its own unique set of challenges.  We’ve picked up our fair share of tricks along the way and our years of experience help us to fast-track custom label solutions for all kinds of customers. We thought we’d share some of the issues we’ve come across over our years in business. So, we picked few of our favorite, local companies and with their blessing, decided to tell you a little more about how we helped them overcome their labeling hurdles.

North Country Smokehouse

local label solutions, food labels, custom food labels, specialty food labels, custom labels

As one of the America’s few remaining, family owned smokehouses, North Country Smokehouse has been crafting artisanal smoked meats and cheeses for more than a century. Their new smokehouse is located in Claremont, NH and as you can imagine, producing smoky meats for the masses means meeting strict safety, environmental, and equipment standards.

Challenge: NCS moved into a new facility just a few short months before we met them, and with that came a long-list of challenges. The company had been labeling their products the same way for years and up until the move, they had it all figured out. That was, until their first day of production in the new smokehouse. The labels were no longer sticking but why?

Solution: Our label gurus headed on over to the new smokehouse. Choosing a local label provider means feet on the ground when problems arise. After a brief assessment, we learned that the new smokehouse was built with tighter temperature controls and the label application was a bit colder than it was previously. The temperature changes, however small, were preventing the adhesive from binding to the flexible packaging substrate. We paired a new aggressive, cold temp adhesive with a polypropylene media and moisture resistant over laminate, and had NCS up and running again in no time.

Bent Hill Brewing

local label solutions, craft beer labels, beer bottle labels, beer can labels

This three barrel brewery is located on a 16-acre farm in the Braintree Mountain range of central Vermont. They produce a variety of artisanal craft beers using ingredients from their own land. They grow their own hops, blackberries, blueberries, currants, and cherries. How cool is that?

Brewing over 20 different styles of beer means they had a lot to think about – and anyone who knows anything about craft beer knows one thing. These days – the labels are everything.

Challenges: The first order of business for Bent Hill was finding a local label provider that can respond quickly and ship fast. The brewery is known for producing seasonal flavors in short runs and it was important to them that their provider be quick and nimble. Next in line, was sourcing a cost effective label supplier who could print variable labels without stacking up expensive setup fees.  When you have two dozen label versions, hidden artwork charges can add up fast. Last but not least, beer cans are made from aluminum and have a smooth surface. The low surface energy of the beer cans and cold, wet environments required ultimate label performance.

Solution: With over a decade of experience labeling craft beer cans, we were more than familiar with Bent Hill’s label requirements. Our low label minimums, complimentary setup for variable designs and 5-day shipping guarantee made us the right fit for this brewery, and lucky for us, we’ve been printing their labels for some time. We worked with them to pair specialty media with the right cold temp adhesive combination that survives refrigerated environments and enhances their intricate label designs. 

VT Bacon Soap

local label solutions, cosmetics labels, soap labels, custom health and beauty labels

If you cock your head to the right, stand on one foot and squint – you can see Okemo Mountain from our office. At the base of the mountain sits VT Bacon Soap. In case the name didn’t give it away, they make soap…. with BACON. Aside the obvious points for coolest company ever, their making strides towards sustainability by producing soaps, shower gels and sugar scrubs that are phthalate and paraben free, non GMO, without harsh chemicals or preservatives. Despite everything they’re doing right, the fact remains, labeling soap can be hard. 

Challenge:

VT Bacon Soap called us looking for a flexible label with good contour to accommodate their specialty shapes. The label had to hug the soap just right, without cracking, wrinkling or curling. It also had to survive the life cycle of the product by resisting oils and residue, to maintain a shelf stable presentation.

Solution:

First things first – we sent multiple sets of media over for testing. With a little finesse and a  lot of teamwork, VT Bacon Soap found a media combination that was malleable enough for their specialty label shapes and could withstand the soaps natural characteristics. Our laser cutting Spartanics system meant VT Bacon Soap could avoid expensive tooling charges, and by printing digitally, they saved money on color charges. This was an ideal solution for their them, being that their custom soap labels are vibrant with a full color floodcoat.

So, there you have it. Three local label challenges and the solutions that made them stick. For more information about how ImageTek Labels can help you overcome your labeling hurdles, simply drop us line by emailing sales@imageteklabels.com or calling (866) 403-5223.

New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show

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New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show

The New England Made Show
The Best Juried Wholesale Show in the Region

The Portland Sports Complex, March 16-18, 2019  – Portland, Maine

The New England Made Show is back again! Featuring locally made giftware, specialty foods and home furnishings, attendees come from all over the region to buy and sell locally made products. The show attracts over 350 exhibitors every year, who come to network and connect with qualified, wholesale buyers looking to shop New England-made items for resale in their stores. Nothing is imported and all items are unique and artisan crafted. This curated exposition features fresh, new specialty food products and hundreds of quality, hand crafted creations.  Show sales have reached more than three million, making this event one of the largest wholesale buying shows in the nation.

The New England Made Show is a must-attend event for ImageTek Labels. We get to see many of our existing customers and learn about their products first-hand. It also gives us a chance to connect with dozens of new customers, by offering to hand-deliver, complimentary label samples at the show. It’s a fun weekend with so many local businesses under one roof.

New England Made Show Schedule

Saturday, March 16, 2019

10am – Show Opens

5pm – Show Closes

5pm – 6:30pm – Welcoming Reception

Sunday, March 17, 2019

10am – Show Opens

5pm – Show Closes

5pm – 6:30pm – Networking Reception

Monday, March 18, 2019

9am – Show Opens

3pm – Cash & Carry begins

4pm – Show Closes

Learn more about the show by visiting the event website. 

View a list of participating exhibitors here. 

Meet Us at the New England Food Show

Custom Labels, Food & Beverage, News and Events, Tradeshows

The New England Food Show food show, food labeling, new england foods
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
March 3 & 4 – Boston, Massachusetts

The New England Food Show is one of our favorite events of the year. Bringing together foodservice exhibitors and experts from all over the region, this events gives show go’ers the chance to make connections that will strengthen their business. Attendees can take advantage of educational seminars that cover topics like operational efficiency, staff training and product packaging. Foodservice professionals can source the regions best, local ingredients and learn more about leading, culinary technology.

As one of the industry’s premier gatherings, this 3-day event is a great way for producers to learn more about specialty food label printing and packaging solutions. This year, the New England Food Show is introducing educational seminars for attendees in search of digital technology and non-commercial foodservice solutions. ImageTek Labels will be available to provide complimentary label samples to attendees in search of label solutions. Request a quick meet & greet and chat with our team about custom labels and auto apply labeling systems.

New England Food Show Schedule

Sunday, March 3
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, March 4
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 5
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn more about exhibiting at the event.

Learn more about educational opportunities at the show.

Bioengineered Foods – Disclosure and Labeling Law

Food & Beverage, Label Compliance, News and Events, Non GMO

USDA bioengineered foods

Bioengineered Food & Label Compliance

Bioengineered foods will soon require disclosure and labeling compliance per the USDA. On December 20, 2018, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law, passed by Congress in July of 2016, requires the USDA establish a national standard for disclosing foods that are or may be bioengineered.

Per the new standard, “bioengineered foods are those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature”. Foods that meet the new bioengineered definition must be clearly marked with the new bioengineered seal.

The new standard is effective as of January 1, 2020, with the exception of small food manufacturers whose implementation date is January 1, 2021. The mandatory compliance for all U.S. based food producers is January 1, 2022. Food producers are encouraged to voluntarily comply with the new standard prior to the deadlines.

Bioengineered Foods List

A list of Bioengineered foods has been developed by The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and can be used to identify the crops or foods that are available in a bioengineered form throughout the world.  Regulated entities must maintain records about the manufacture of bioengineered foods and disclose their production of bioengineered foods to such entities.

Several disclosure options are available for food manufacturers, importers, and certain retailers being required to appropriately disclose their bioengineered foods information. Regulated entities are accepting text, symbol, electronic or digital link, and/or text messages as part of the disclosure process. Additional options such as a phone number or web address are available to small food manufacturers or for small and very small packages.

To learn more about the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standards, please visit the USDA website. Producers may download a copy of the USDA mandated Bioengineered Food Disclosure labels here.

Bioengineered Food Labels for Compliance

To order bioengineered food labels please contact ImageTek Labels by emailing sales@imageteklabels.com or call (866) 403-5223. Custom sizes and roll dimensions can be created to fit your product packaging and auto apply equipment. Our specialty label media is designed to withstand cold storage, freezing temperatures and a variety of food packaging surfaces.

Variable Designs – Perfect for Seasonal Label Printing

Uncategorized

Autumn is the Perfect Time for Variable Label Designs 

With ImageTek Labels state of the art digital printing technology, variable designs are a breeze. Don’t pay extra for custom plate charges, uses are limited only by the imagination.

Create inspired designs, play with color palettes, or print personalized labels to support your marketing efforts. Custom labels allow you to test products and markets cost effectively, and are are proven to boost sales and attract new customers.

No Tooling Charges with Variable Label Printing!

With ImageTek Labels state of the art digital printing technology, variable designs are a breeze. Don’t pay extra for custom plate charges, uses are limited only by the imagination. Create inspired designs, play with color palettes, or print personalized labels to support your marketing efforts. 

Custom labels allow you to test products and markets cost effectively, and are are proven to boost sales and attract new customers.

Working with ImageTek Labels Means:

  • No set up or tooling charges
  • No additional cost for color
  • Custom printed labels shipped in 5 days or less
  • Complimentary online label proofs
  • Personal Service – no cookie cutter label programs here

To save big on variable labels, contact us at sales@imageteklabels.com or call (866) 403-5223.

New England Made – Find ImageTek Labels at Booth 900

Custom Labels, Food & Beverage, Health & Beauty, News and Events, Tradeshows

New England Made

New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show

This one of a kind show, curates some of the best that New England artisan have to offer.
Find us at Booth 900 on March 17-19 at the Portland Sports Complex in Portland, Maine.

ImageTek Labels will attend the New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show, March 17-19th at the Portland Sports Complex in Portland, Maine. This year, organizers celebrate the show’s 32nd consecutive year by inviting juried artisan to assemble in presenting the finest New England made giftware, specialty food and home furnishings to wholesalers from all across the country who gather in search of quality, locally manufactured products.

This annual event continues to attract authentic New England made crafters and is a true reflection of expertly crafted products that originate in the Eastern states. The show offers a venue for wholesale buyers to spend some one-on-one time with each artisan and learn more about their mission and unique talent. This event supports local business, encourages relationships between whole- sale buyers and the business owners and inevitably puts the best products in front of consumers. Each year, more than 250 producers will exhibit their products at The New England Made Giftware and Specialty Food Show. Absolutely no importers are allowed to attend the event, making it easy for wholesalers to source locally manufactured food, home furnishings, jewelry, apparel and art.

Visit Us at Booth 900 and Request Samples in Advance

ImageTek Labels looks forward to connecting with new and existing New England based businesses. Having partnered with a wide variety of consumable product manufacturers over the years, ImageTek understands the unique challenges associated with lean manufacturing; a huge benefit for the artisan producers tasked with managing time and production efficiencies. ImageTek continues to evolve with the newest digital print technology and the New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show is a wonderful opportunity to present these strides to New England producers.

For more information about The New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show please visit www.nemadeshows.com. Exhibitors may request sample media kits to be delivered in-hand on the during the event by contacting ImageTek Labels by emailing sales@imageteklabels.com or call (866) 403-5223.

Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival Celebrates 9 Years!

Food & Beverage, News and Events, Tradeshows, Vermont, VT Specialty Foods

VT cheese and dairy Join ImageTek Labels at the 9th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival hosted by the Vermont Cheese Council on Saturday, July 16th, 2017 at the Coach Barn on Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont. This open market festival has been chosen by Fodor’s Travel as one of the “10 Best Summer Food Festivals in the United States.” The festival is designed as an open farmers market with 45 cheesemakers and over 90 Vermont and regional artisan food producers.

Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival Details

The Vermont Cheesemakers festival brings together cheese, wine, beer, cider, spirits, and specialty food producers for a day of tastings, demonstrations and educational workshops.

Vermont is the leading artisanal cheese state with the highest number of cheesemakers per capita. This event is an experience all its own where attendees can network with food and beverage producers who share a passion for the craft.  Event participants will taste a variety of fresh, local foods and wines, as well as to learn all about the process used in making these fan favorite products. Spend a beautiful summer day along the shores of Lake Champlain sampling, buying and learning! Come and celebrate the Vermont summer season.

Participating food and beverage producers will compete in the “Best of the Fest” Awards, where leading producers are crowned for their perfectly crafted artisan products. This year, MapleBrook Farm defends their Best of Cheese title, Laughing Moon Chocolates comes prepared to hold tight  to their Artisanal Food title, and Idletime Brewing Company competes to maintain their hard-earned craft brew crown.

Vermont Cheesemaker Event Tickets & Pricing

General Admission Tickets are now on sale through Eventbrite for $60.00 plus $4.29 in handling fees. Tickets include a wine glass and shopping bag.  Children under 3 are admitted free. VIP Tickets are available and include VIP Valet Parking, separate VIP Entry, official Vermont Cheesemakers Festival tote and glass, entry to the Lakeside Libations Celebration from 9-10:30 AM, and one reserve ticket to Educational Seminars (choose the seminar on the day of the festival- first come, first served.)

View a full Event Calendar by visiting http://vtcheesefest.com/