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Labeling of Foods Packaged in a Retail Food Establishment Proper labeling of foods allows consumers to make informed decisions about what they eat, protects them from misbranding and avoids dangerous medical consequences should certain foods or ingredients be unknowingly consumed. This handout is intended to clarify the requirements regarding the labeling of packaged foods. Please note that packaged foods are considered to be those foods that are wrapped or packaged in any way prior to customer request. For example, a cake that is boxed and placed in a self-service refrigerator is considered packaged. However, a cake that is in a display case and is portioned at the customer’s request and placed in a takeout container or box is not considered packaged. If you are unsure as to which foods in your establishment are considered packaged, please call (609) 465-1209 and ask to speak with your area inspector for more information. All packaged foods shall be labeled regardless of whether or not the food is made “from scratch” at your establishment, or if it is repackaged by your establishment after being received in bulk from a supplier. Labeling requirements are as follows: Name of establishment where food is packaged City and State where establishment is located (street address must be listed only if establishment is not listed in the local phone book) Common name of food List of ingredients in descending order by weight List of major food allergens if they are contained in the product. The 8 major food allergens are Milk, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Fish, Soybeans, Eggs and Shellfish. If the packaged food contains any of the 8 major food allergens, the allergen must be listed on the label in one of the following ways: o List name of allergen in the ingredient list ie: Ingredients: Crabmeat, water and salt o List name of allergen next to ingredient that does not disclose what is in it ie: Flour (wheat) or Casein (milk) o List all major food allergens after the words “contains”: ie: Contains: eggs, soy, wheat Weight of product – Only if establishment is specifically selling the product by weight, such as“1/2 pound of macaroni salad” or “1 pound of cashews.” Foods sold in portions, such as a slice of pie or a jar of jelly beans need not have the weight indicated. Everyone who operates a weighing device for commercial purposes must register their device with the New Jersey Office of Weights and Measures. If you operate an unregistered weighing device in your establishment, please call the Cape May County Department of Consumer Affairs/Office of Weights and Measures at (609) 463-6478 to register your device. GERALD M. THORNTON Freeholder KEVIN L. THOMAS, M.A. Health Officer Public Health Coordinator JOSEPH R.TORDELLA, D.O. Medical Director CAPE MAY COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH 4 Moore Road Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210-1601 (609) 465-1209 after hours (609) 465-1190 Fax: (609) 465-6564 04/09