Expanding your food product globally is one of the most rewarding and challenging steps a brand can take. But in the race to go international, there’s one common pitfall that can stall even the most promising product: labeling compliance. The US, EU, and UK each have their own detailed labeling laws, and even small mistakes can lead to rejections at customs, product recalls, or consumer mistrust. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a single label (or label system) that satisfies regulators, builds consumer trust, and helps you grow across borders with confidence. Whether you’re a startup entering e-commerce or a legacy brand expanding into new regions, this article is your roadmap. Why Global Food Label Compliance Matters Getting your labeling right isn’t just about checking a box — it’s about building a reputation. When your label is non-compliant, you could face: But when your label is done right? In short, label compliance is no longer a side task. It’s a growth lever. What’s Common Across All Markets Despite the regional differences in rules, there’s a shared global foundation every label must follow. These common elements help ensure that your product is clear, traceable, and informative no matter where it’s sold: Universal Labeling Elements: These elements form the core compliance block. But each region adds its own flavor. Regional Breakdown: US vs EU vs UK Labeling Rules Understanding the key regulatory bodies and what they require is the first step to global readiness. United States (FDA) European Union (EFSA Rules) United Kingdom (Post-Brexit) Comparison Table: US vs EU vs UK Feature USA (FDA) EU (EFSA) UK (FSA) Nutrition Panel “Nutrition Facts” black-and-white Tabular with energy + nutrients EU format (for now) Allergen Display Listed separately in plain terms Emphasized in ingredient list Same as EU Additives Naming Name + function (no E-code) Class + E-number + name Same as EU Font Size 1/16 inch (~1.6 mm) 1.2 mm or 0.9 mm Same as EU Units Imperial (optional metric) Metric only Both metric and imperial allowed Language English only Local language required English only Health Claims Pre-approved or qualified EFSA-approved only UK-specific version of EFSA list Best Practices for Creating a Globally Compliant Label Instead of building 3 entirely separate labels, the key is to create a flexible, modular design that works across regions with minor changes. 1. Use Dual Units Always include both metric and imperial — e.g., “Net Wt: 12 oz (340 g)” — to instantly cover US, EU, and UK without confusion. 2. Highlight Allergens Visibly Bold, underline, or colorize allergens in the ingredient list. This satisfies EU/UK rules and is helpful for US consumers too. 3. List Additives with Both Name and Code Example: “Citric Acid (E330)” — acceptable across all markets and adds trust. 4. Include QR Codes for Smart Labeling QR codes are a powerful way to provide extended or localized information: 5. Standardize Layout Across SKUs Design templates where core elements stay fixed, and you simply swap out: 6. Don’t Overpromise Avoid unsubstantiated claims like “superfood,” “cures fatigue,” or “boosts immunity” — unless explicitly allowed. 7. Use a Compliance Tool Early Manual label creation invites error. Use AI-based tools to automate compliance checks and formatting. Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid Even experienced teams get tripped up by: Bonus: Platform-Specific Requirements Platform Region(s) Labeling Must-Haves Amazon Global Clear nutrition, allergens, country of origin Walmart US UPC, FDA label, manufacturer address Whole Foods US “Clean label” policies — no artificial additives Tesco UK Compliant UK address and allergen format Carrefour EU Multilingual label and EFSA-approved claims Want to sell on these platforms? Start with your label. FoodCompli Can Help You Get It Right At FoodCompli, we’ve built tools designed for modern food businesses who don’t want to spend weeks decoding regulatory PDFs. Here’s how we help: All powered by AI. No guesswork. No regulatory jargon. Create Your Label → Conclusion: Labels That Build Trust & Get You Listed Food labeling is no longer just about regulation — it’s about consumer experience, brand trust, and global readiness. With accurate and region-specific labels: Whether you’re launching in Whole Foods, shipping to Europe, or selling across multiple online marketplaces — FoodCompli makes global labeling simple. Don’t leave compliance to chance. Make it your edge. FAQs Q: Can I use the same label for all countries? A: Not exactly — but you can use a modular format where you keep 80–90% consistent and adjust the claims, addresses, and formatting for each region. Q: Are QR codes allowed or recommended? A: Absolutely. QR codes are now widely accepted and encouraged — especially in multilingual, small-format, or e-commerce packaging. Q: What happens if I sell a product with a non-compliant label? A: You could face customs delays, import bans, fines, or product recalls. It also damages consumer and retailer trust. Want peace of mind? Use FoodCompli’s AI tools to stay ahead of global compliance. Try FoodComli AI Tools →