Definition of Product Label

The term "product label" is a general term used to refer to printed information affixed to a product (typically retail products) communicated from the manufacturer to consumers or other users.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a product label is to identify type, size, brand, product line, manufacturer and other product-specific information in order to inform the consumer and encourage a purchase.

Foodstuffs

The term "product label," when used in the context of foodstuffs, may also refer to nutritional information located on food packaging. In the United States, as in many countries, basic nutritional information and a list of ingredients must appear on the packaging.

Medicine

Additional regulations exist for the product labels of pharmaceuticals. In most countries, information about active and inactive ingredients, concentrations of active ingredients and presence of habit-forming substances is required on the product label.

Materials

Product labels can be made from a variety of materials. Common materials include: paper or cardboard (often attached with plastic, twine or metal staples), cloth, metal (often aluminum), and plastic.

Laws

Laws governing the use of product labels, and the information printed on them, vary significantly from country to country, and are typically dependent on the type of product. However, laws commonly prohibit product labels from making false or exaggerated claims, or intentionally misleading consumers.

References

• Fooducate: 1862–2009: A Brief History of Food and Nutrition Labeling