Describe the labeling and packaging requirements for manufacturers.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A number of federal and state laws deal specifically with the information on labels and packages. In general, labels must be accurate, and they must use words that are easily understood by the ordinary consumer. In some instances, labels must specify the raw materials used in the product, such as the percentage of cotton or other fiber used in clothing. In other instances, the product must carry a warning. Cigarette packages must include one of several warnings about the health hazards of smoking, for example.

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966 requires that products carry labels that identify the product; the net quantity of the contents, as well as the quantity of each serving,if the number of servings is stated; the manufacturer; and the packager or distributor. The act also establishes requirements concerning words used to describe packages, disclosure of ingredients of nonfood products, and the partial filling of packages.?Food products must bear labels detailing nutritional content, including how much fat the food contains and what kind of fat it is. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasguidelines to standardize nutritional information on packaged foods, and the Federal TradeCommission (FTC) plays a key role in enforcing the restrictions. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 requires standard nutrition facts (including fat content) on food labels; regulates the use of such terms asfresh, low fat,andorganic;and, subject to FDA?approval, authorizes certain health claims.