Question 1

What order do ingredients go in on a food label?

Accepted Answer

Descending order of predominance by weight, measured as the ingredients go into the batch rather than as they end up in the finished food. 21 CFR 101.4(a)(1) sets the rule. Water counts, and is often higher in the order than people expect. Ingredients present at 2 percent or less by weight may be grouped at the end under a qualifying phrase such as "Contains 2% or less of", which is the one permitted departure from strict order.

Question 2

How do I write sub-ingredients?

Accepted Answer

A compound ingredient is declared either by naming it and listing its own components in parentheses immediately after, or by dropping the compound name and interleaving its components into the main list in their proper place by weight. Both are allowed. The parenthetical form is easier to read and easier to audit, which is why most labels use it.

Question 3

What name do I use for an ingredient?

Accepted Answer

The common or usual name, not a marketing name and not a chemical name where a common one exists. 21 CFR 101.4(b) governs this. Some ingredients have required standardised terms, and certain colour additives must be declared by their specific name rather than as "artificial colour".

Question 4

Which ingredients can be left off the list?

Accepted Answer

Incidental additives present at insignificant levels with no technical or functional effect in the finished food may be omitted under 21 CFR 101.100(a)(3). Processing aids often fall here. The exemption does not extend to a major food allergen: if an incidental additive carries one, it still has to be declared.

Question 5

Does the ingredient list have to be in a particular place?

Accepted Answer

It must appear on the information panel or the principal display panel, in one place, in the required minimum type size, with enough contrast to be legible, and it cannot be interrupted by other material. The nutrition panel, the ingredient list, the allergen statement and the manufacturer name and address form one block of required information and should be laid out together.

Ingredient List Formatter

Raw ingredient list

Formatted output

The rules this tool implements

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Ingredient List Formatter

Raw ingredient list

Formatted output

Other tools

The rules this tool implements

Read more