How to Label a Frozen Product and What Types of Labels to Use

Frozen products, usually food items, need to be properly labeled and follow the clear guidelines set out by different organizations like the FDA and USDA. For those who are just starting a business or looking for a new label manufacturer, there are many questions that arise like what needs to be included on the label and what material will protect the product under harsh temperatures.

Labeling frozen food doesn't need to be a complicated process. And, with the right labeling partner, it can be seamless and effortless. That allows you to work on other aspects of your business and leave the labeling to the experts. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to know for labeling frozen products.

What Needs to Be Included in a Frozen Product Label?

Frozen products tend to be food or other consumable items. That means that there are strict guidelines in place from food safety agencies and organizations like the FDA and USDA that need to be followed, along with different regulations based on the state you live in. Each type of product will have different regulations to follow. For example, meat products will need to follow the USDA requirements and dairy products will follow FDA.

It can be hard, particularly with small brands, to know what sets of regulations apply to them. That’s why working with a label partner can help you understand the labeling practices that will best suit your brand. Here is a cheat sheet of the major labeling requirements from both the FDA and the USDA.

FDA Labeling Requirements:

  • Statement of identity (the common name of the product)
  • Net weight information
  • Company name and address
  • Ingredients list (including allergens0
  • Nutrition facts label

USDA Labeling Requirements:

  • Product name
  • Handling statement
  • Safe handling instructions
  • Inspection legend
  • Net weight information
  • Ingredients list (including allergens)
  • Company name and address
  • Nutrition facts label

 

There can often be times when the many regulations set out by the federal and state food safety agencies are overly complicated and leave small food businesses struggling to understand what the next steps are. A labeling company partner can help big and small brands properly label their products and ensure that they are meeting all the rules set out by food safety agencies.

What Types of Materials Work Best for Frozen Product Labels?

Frozen products are subjected to temperatures that are much lower than most other products and food items. That means that the labels need to be designed for freezing conditions without sacrificing on looks and performance. You want the label to accurately represent your brand and your product while meeting the regulations set out by food safety agencies.

Freezer-grade labels are made with polypropylene film and an adhesive that will stay strong during freezing conditions. Typical label adhesive isn’t designed for cold temperatures and can crack and peel when exposed to freezing temperatures. Most adhesives will start to solidify and crystallize at around 40-50°F, which means that they will peel off of your products once they hit the deep freeze.

An "all temperature" adhesive is designed to work in cold conditions, typically down to around -20°F to -30°F. That allows you to label your products correctly and not have to worry about labels peeling off in cold temperatures and risking consequences from food safety agencies. These adhesives use a strong initial adhesion, or tack, which ensures that the label will not fall off during transport or after long periods in freezing temperatures.

Frozen Product Labels From White Graphics Inc.

When it comes to labeling frozen products, it’s always best to partner with a company that understands how to get you what you need. At White Graphics Inc, we specialize in labels from regular food items to beauty products to household cleaners and everything in between. And we know how to get you the right labels that include everything that’s required from the USDA or FDA and are designed for frozen temperatures.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today and partner with a leader in the frozen products labeling game.