Top USDA Labeling Mistakes to Avoid: How Inovar Helps Brands Stay Compliant

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has strict food labeling requirements designed to protect consumers from misleading or incomplete information. From nutrition facts to ingredient lists, every detail must follow precise guidelines. However, navigating the USDA label approval process can feel overwhelming, and costly mistakes can delay your product launch.

That’s why working with an experienced label partner matters. At Inovar Packaging Group, we not only deliver high-quality food labels, but we also help brands avoid common USDA labeling mistakes that slow projects down.

According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), these are the most common errors to watch out for, and how Inovar helps you prevent them.

If your label is hard to read, the USDA won’t even review it. This includes poor font choices, small text sizes, or low-quality printing. At Inovar, every file goes through a detailed prepress review, and once printed, we use a rigorous quality control process that inspects every label on a roll. Your labels remain sharp, legible, and USDA-ready.

Labels missing mandatory elements like product weight, inspection legends, or handling statements will be rejected. With more than 60 years in the label industry, we know when something looks off. We guide you through USDA requirements and point you toward resources like the FSIS Labeling Requirements Checklist to ensure every detail is covered.

If your application lists “lemon, thyme, pepper” but the product formulation doesn’t match, your label will be denied.

From font size to food standard definitions, product names must meet USDA rules.
Our team reviews your artwork to confirm that product names align with USDA guidelines, helping you avoid costly revisions.

Common issues include not using standard names, failing to list sub-ingredients, or presenting them in the wrong order. At Inovar, we double-check ingredient statements for clarity and compliance, supporting you in meeting USDA transparency requirements.

Serving sizes, formatting, and reference amounts all must be exact. Even small mistakes here can delay approval.

Terms like “leaner” or “low carbohydrate” must meet specific standards; otherwise, they’re considered unqualified claims.

Getting your labels USDA-approved can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Inovar Packaging Group combines decades of expertise with advanced quality processes to keep your label projects moving smoothly. Are you ready to avoid USDA labeling mistakes and launch your products with confidence? Contact us today and see how Inovar can help bring your food labels to life.