In food production industry there are strict guidelines and regulations to be followed to ensure that food that is delivered to the consumer is of best quality. This is especially important when it comes to meat, in whatever form (cut, ground, processed) and condition (fresh or frozen) it is sold.
For a meat product to be qualified for retail or direct sales, it needs to be properly labeled, with accurate information about the product. If some information provided on the meat label is not correct, then the label is misleading and can result in serious violation of food safety policies and high penalties.
By following the rules implemented by the Department of Agriculture, you are making sure your product is of good quality and safe for consumption.
How to Acquire Proper Meat Labels for Your Product
There are several steps to follow to get an approval for your label from The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The label approval is now completely managed online quickly and efficiently.
The first step is to fill in this form from the USDA/FSIS website.
The second step is label submission. You have to make sure the label you are submitting contains at least these 8 important elements:
- Name of the Product (common name or a descriptive one)
- Inspection Legend
- Net Weight Statement
- Handling Statement
- Signature Line
- Ingredients Statement
- Nutrition Facts
- Safe Handling Instructions
If you need help at this stage of creating your custom label, the design team at Freezerlabels.net can help you visualize your ideas and choose appropriate label material and adhesive for your product needs.
The third and final step is to wait for the approval. Since there are many labels submitted to FSIS daily, it might take them some time to review your submission, because they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This web based system enables companies to make changes electronically if they need to, making the approval process quicker and less costly.
We strongly advise you to contact USDA for more detailed information about meat labeling requirements.
After your label is approved, you can make arrangements with a printing press of your choice about the proper material and contingent of labels that you need for your product.
Tips for Creating Freezer Meat Labels
Frozen meat and meat products can be stored in the freezer for a limited amount of time. To be certain you provide appropriate “best before” date, consult this info graphic on recommended frozen food storage times. This document can also help you choose appropriate stock and adhesives for your frozen food labels, since some stickers can be kept in freezer for a long period of time and endure colder temperatures, and some are designed for shorter product life.
As for tips on creating appropriate food packaging label for your meat product, the personnel at Freezer Labels will provide you with expert advice on putting together self-adhesive freezer labels. Depending on the storing and handling conditions that your meat labels will be subjected to, there is a variety of freezer grade labels that we offer - paper for dry, polyester for wet conditions, vinyl for labels that require more flexibility, lamination for added strength, etc. You can also choose between custom printed freezer labels, blank stickers on sheets or rolls, labels die-cut into your desired shape and size, and more.