The principal display panel (PDP) and the information panel (IP) are two places on food packaging for displaying label statements. The FDA identifies six label statements to appear on food packaging. These include a statement of identity, net quantity of contents, nutrition labeling, ingredient statement, allergen declaration, and name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor. The allergen declaration or “contains” statement may not be present due to no allergies or the allergies are identified in the ingredient statement. Some businesses are exempt from nutrition labeling, but otherwise, these labeling statements are mandatory.
The principal display panel is the area most likely seen by the consumer at the time of purchase. When shelving, grocery stores face the PDP front so the customer can easily see what the package contains. The information panel is to the right of the PDP. For example, the PDP is the front of a cereal box, and the IP is to the right. On a can that doesn’t have sides, the PDP is the front of the label, and if you rotate the can clockwise, the IP is to the right of the PDP. If the space immediately to the right of the PDP is not available, like a folded pouch, the next area to the right is acceptable. In this case, the pouch’s backside.
The FDA allows all label statements to be displayed on the PDP, although this is an unusual practice. It is required and more common to have the statement of identity and the net quantity of contents on the PDP. The IP would contain the Nutrition Facts panel, ingredient statement, allergen declaration, and name and place of business.
Important to note is that intervening material is not permitted to be placed between the required labeling on the IP. Intervening material includes bar codes, nutrient content claims, and other information not required by the FDA. For example, you would not place a bar code between an NFP and an ingredient statement.
Refer to the Code of Federal Regulations or pages 5 and 6 in the FDA Food Labeling Guide.
