A compliant honey label requires two specific pieces of nutritional data. You must include a standard Nutrition Facts Panel detailing nutrient content, such as calories and carbohydrates, alongside a specific ingredients list, even if honey is the sole ingredient in the container.
While many producers assume single-ingredient products are exempt from detailed listing, U.S. regulations mandate that honey labels feature both a Nutrition Facts Panel and an explicit ingredients statement to ensure full transparency and legal compliance.
The Core Nutritional Requirements
The Nutrition Facts Panel
Federal law mandates that all foods sold in the United States display a Nutrition Facts Panel.
This panel must quantify the nutrient content of the honey. It details specific metrics such as calories per serving and total carbohydrates, allowing consumers to make informed dietary choices.
The Ingredient Statement
You are required to include an ingredients list on your label.
This rule applies even if the product is 100% pure honey with no additives. Including this list provides necessary transparency and confirms to the consumer that there are no hidden fillers or syrups.
Essential Non-Nutritional Labeling Standards
Product Identity and Weight
Beyond nutrition, the FDA requires the product name (e.g., "Honey") to be clearly displayed.
Additionally, the net weight must be listed in ounces. This specific piece of information must be positioned on the bottom 30% of the label panel.
Producer Traceability
To ensure accountability, the label must feature the name and address of the producer or distributor.
You must also include a lot or batch number. This is a critical safety measure that allows for efficient traceability in the event of a product recall.
Origin and Legibility
If the honey is imported, the country of origin must be clearly stated.
Furthermore, all mandatory information must meet minimum size requirements. The text must be at least 1/16th of an inch in height to ensure it is legible to the average consumer.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The "Single Ingredient" Assumption
A common mistake is assuming that because everyone knows honey is made of honey, an ingredient list is redundant.
Omitting this list makes your product non-compliant. You must explicitly state the ingredient to satisfy regulatory transparency standards.
Formatting Oversights
Producers often focus on label design at the expense of regulatory placement.
Placing the net weight at the top of the label or using a font size smaller than 1/16th of an inch can lead to regulatory enforcement actions. Adherence to font size and placement rules is just as important as the accuracy of the text itself.
Ensuring Your Label is Market-Ready
- If your primary focus is domestic retail: Ensure your Nutrition Facts Panel is accurate and your ingredient list explicitly says "Honey."
- If your primary focus is imported products: Verify that the Country of Origin is prominent to meet customs and FDA requirements.
- If your primary focus is safety and scale: implement a robust lot numbering system immediately to handle potential recalls without business-ending friction.
A label is not just a brand asset; it is a legal document that validates the safety and origin of your product.
Summary Table:
| Mandatory Requirement | Details & Standards |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts Panel | Must list calories, carbohydrates, and servings per container. |
| Ingredient Statement | Must explicitly state "Honey," even for single-ingredient products. |
| Net Weight | Must be listed in ounces and placed in the bottom 30% of the label. |
| Producer Info | Name and address of the producer/distributor + Lot/Batch number. |
| Text Size | Minimum font height of 1/16th of an inch for legibility. |
| Origin | Country of origin must be clearly stated for imported honey. |
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