What are Some Labeling Requirements for Special Dietary Needs?

Labeling requirements for special dietary needs are critical to ensure that consumers can make informed choices about food products that align with their specific dietary restrictions or preferences. These requirements may vary by country and region, but some common labeling requirements for special dietary needs include:

  • Allergen Labeling: Many countries have strict regulations governing the labeling of common allergens. These allergens often include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
  • Gluten-Free Labeling: Products marketed as "gluten-free" must meet specific criteria and adhere to established standards, such as the FDA's definition of gluten-free in the United States.
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Labeling: Products labeled as "vegan" contain no animal-derived ingredients, while "vegetarian" products may contain some animal-derived ingredients but no meat or fish.
  • Kosher and Halal Certification: For religious dietary requirements, products may need to be certified as kosher (Jewish dietary laws) or halal (Islamic dietary laws
  • Organic Certification: Organic labeling indicates that a product has been produced according to organic farming standards, which often includes restrictions on synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Non-GMO Labeling: Some products may carry labels indicating they are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Country-of-Origin Labeling: While this isn't necessarily related to dietary restrictions, many consumers are starting to desire COOL information to better understand the quality of their food.

Labeling food this way is often required by law, but even in situations where it is not (such as labeling exemptions for small farms), many in the agricultural industry find that it is a good practice as it helps to better meet the needs of consumers.

 

View all Agricultural Labeling Q&A

 

Free Samples

Get samples of our most popular products so you can see the quality before you buy.

 
Other FREE Resources:

Helpful Resources