Labeling and Label Approval

FSIS develops and provides labeling guidance, policies and inspection methods and administers programs to protect consumers from misbranded and economically adulterated meat, poultry, and egg products which ensure that all labels are truthful and not misleading.

FSIS revised guidance on food product date labeling to reduce food waste, encouraging food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating to use a “Best if Used By” date label.

Label Submission and Approval (LSAS)

LSAS is a web-based application that integrates and implements an electronic label application process for establishments to submit label applications.

Labeling Procedures

Collection of guidance information on label procedures with regards to label applications, types of approval, common labeling questions and answers and information on the responsibilities of FSIS and the establishments regarding label approvals.

Labeling Policies

Access the latest resources on including FSIS guidance information, the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book and Policy Memorandums, generic label approval, nutrition labeling information and other resource material regarding meat, poultry, and egg product labeling policies.

Ingredients Guidance

FSIS provides labeling ingredients guidance and inspection methods to protect consumers from misbranding.

Claims Guidance

FSIS provides claims guidance, policies, and inspection methods to protect consumers from economically adulterated meat, poultry, and egg products.

Nonfood-Compounds

Collection of guidance and criteria in dealing with nonfood compounds.

Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals

On October 13, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published final guidance for voluntary short-term (2.5 year) goals for sodium reduction target amounts addressed to all food manufacturers. The purpose of the FDA guidance is to help reduce sodium intake by consumers through a collective yet gradual cut back of sodium levels in processed, packaged, and prepared foods wherever possible without affecting food safety. The industry guidance provides certain target amounts identified in the guidance to reduce sodium levels in the target foods over time. FSIS collaborated with FDA in relation to the target amounts for the meat/poultry/egg products identified in the sodium reduction guidelines and fully supports the overall goal of industrywide sodium reduction. As such, FSIS encourages meat, poultry, and egg products manufacturers to voluntarily implement a sodium reduction plan as part of the overall initiative following the FDA guidance.