Training for Regulatory & Marketing Professionals


Upcoming Webinar Training Opportunities

Year in Review: Litigation and Lessons Learned
Thursday, January 30, at 2:00 pm ET
Speaker: Brian Sylvester & David Biderman, Perkins Coie

Register Now!


Expansion of Generic Label Approval

  • FSIS will no longer evaluate labels that are eligible for generic approval
  • Shifts the Burden of Compliance and Recordkeeping onto Food Companies
Learn More About PLC's USDA Generic Tools and Services:


‍‍View Our Free Recordings

  • Bioengineered Label Disclosure
  • Required Features and Common Mistakes
  • Intro to Nutrition Labeling
  • Understanding USDA Approval
  • What to Expect: USDA School Nutrition Update

Confused by a multitude of regulations from numerous government agencies scattered across disparate sources? PLC's unique education services unpack critical requirements in an easy to follow, structured framework.

Attend live, On-Demand, customized on-site, via webinar, or in-person training sessions to hone your labeling skills in a way that makes sense for you. We are proud to offer all of this and more for custom, individualized instruction. Whether the need is for individualized training or the whole team, contact us for more information.

Upcoming Live Sessions

PLC Curriculum Registration

Course Offerings & Descriptions

Free Recorded Webinars

Required Features & Mistakes
Join Jesse Zuehlke and Prime Label Consultants for a free webinar covering the fundamental requirements of food labeling in the United States and the most common mistakes made with each. Intended for both novices and experienced labelers, this introductory session is packed with insights from our experts and an important precursor to PLC’s FDA Labeling and USDA Labeling webinar series'.

Understanding USDA Approval
This webinar is led by PLC, and will help us kick off our USDA Labeling Series. It’s designed for anyone looking to better understand the USDA label approval process, when labels can be generically approved, and what we can expect with the upcoming changes to regulations.

Intro to Nutrition Labeling
This webinar is led by PLC, and will help us kick off our Nutrition Labeling Series. It’s designed for anyone responsible for the nutrition labeling of food and beverage products, so if you’re interested in learning more about the nuances of nutrition labeling, we encourage you to sign up below.
This webinar has been previously recorded.

Bioengineered Labeling
This webinar provides an overview of the Bioengineered (BE) labeling requirement. BE labeling has complex rules, depending on your ingredient list, crop source, country of origin, federal agency jurisdiction and sales channel. Find out in this 45-minute seminar if this rule applies to you.

This online 30-minute session, followed by over 15 minutes of Q&A, will cover: * Overview of the Bioengineered Disclosure Standard - requirements, timeline & enforcement * Regulated entities & covered foods * BE Disclosure options * Record keeping & refinement options * Considerations for BE claims

What to Expect from the USDA's School Nutrition Update
The Food and Nutrition Service at the USDA recently released regulatory notice about plans to update the nutrition standards and strengthen the Buy American provision in school meal programs. Notably, this rulemaking would limit added sugar and further limit sodium in school breakfast and lunch foods, while increasing the number of whole grain options.

Join PLC and Patricia Phillips from Phillips Resources to review the details of the proposed school meal standards and learn best practices for ensuring compliance. This free 30-minute webinar includes 10 minutes of live Q&A.

USDA Labeling

Explore the distinct labeling regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture, which may vary from those of the Food and Drug Administration.This webinar series provides a comprehensive foundation, covering essential aspects of labeling, claim compliance, and insights from Consultants with expertise on diverse sources of rules, policies, and regulations. This program is designed to cover USDA labeling, claim substantiation, and effective practices for label approvals and recordkeeping, optimizing your efforts to ensure product compliance. Each 2-hour session is live and offers dedicated time for Q&A.

Foundations of USDA Labeling
The USDA has its own set of labeling regulations that can differ from those of the FDA. If you are new to labeling USDA products, or simply need a refresher, this webinar presents a thorough foundation of USDA labeling for meat, poultry, or egg product labels. Learn the mandatory labeling features as well as common additional elements. During this session, we will discuss: 

  • Regulatory oversight and USDA amenability 
  • Mandatory label features and placement
  • Evaluating product names for compliance
  • Descriptive designations and product name qualifiers
  • Inspection legend requirements
  • Net quantity of contents declaration and formatting
  • Acceptable verbiage for address line & handling statements
  • Overview of ingredient statement requirements & formatting
  • Additional label features, such as foreign language & allergen labeling
  • General requirements for nutrition labeling

USDA Labeling Claims
Meat and poultry products have a range of specific requirements for product claims, including animal raising, geographic origin, ingredient value add, nutrient content, and more. Learn claim requirements, and gain an understanding of factors triggering USDA review and approval. During this session, we will discuss: 

  • Prior label approval and generic eligibility
  • Special statements and claims that require prior label approval
  • Nutrition and diet claims
  • Claim substantiation requirements and common third party certifications
  • Made with ingredient call outs
  • Negative/absence claims and clean label call-outs such as uncured, no nitrates or nitrites, natural and non-GMO
  • Blended meat/vegetable products, vegetable content, and whole grain claims
  • Regenerative, geographic and animal raising claims

USDA Approval Roadmap: Generic, LPDS, and Recordkeeping
Prior approval by FSIS is required for labels used on meat and poultry products, and understanding whether label artwork requires review may be a critical factor in product development timelines. Learn how USDA approves labels, which types are eligible for in-house, generic approval, and explore recommended best practices for label submission and recordkeeping. During this session, we will discuss: 

  • Background of USDA food labeling regulations
  • Prior label approval and meaning of generic eligibility
  • Types of label applications and options when a label error is identified 
  • How to fill out the 7234-1 Form and the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS)
  • Tips for completing and submitting label applications
  • Impacts of changes to previously approved labels
  • Best practices for recordkeeping and helpful resources
  • Common compliance concerns and top common mistakes made on labels

FDA Labeling

Food and Drug Administration label requirements can be confusing, and trends change at a fast pace. FDA label requirements can be confusing, and trends change at a fast pace. In addition to stringent content and wording requirements, food labels must also comply with size, color, language, and location rules. Claims are also a moving target with many subtleties in wording and design. Learn the basics of FDA labeling rules and keep up with the latest developments. Each 2-hour session is live and offers dedicated time for Q&A.

Mandatory Labeling Features
Are you responsible for label creation, regulatory compliance, artwork design or review? This session offers a comprehensive overview of the FDA’s mandatory features for retail food and beverage labels. Whether you are new to labeling or need to brush up on requirements, this session will enhance your labeling expertise and provide the key information you need to ensure your products meet basic requirements! This session will enable attendees to:

  • Describe regulatory oversight of US food labeling
  • Understand the difference between mandatory and voluntary label features
  • Determine where mandatory info should be placed on labels
  • Develop a compliant Statement of Identity, incl. flavor qualifiers
  • Format the Net Contents Statement for varying product types
  • Prepare a compliant ingredient statement using composite or component labeling
  • Discuss options for declaring spices, colors, flavors, preservatives, fats/oils, and other ingredient groupings
  • Name the “Big 9” mandatory allergens and identify compliant allergen declarations
  • Present a complete Address Line
  • Apply other mandatory features such as bioengineered food disclosure or country of origin

Nutrition Labeling
Nutrition labeling requirements can feel like solving a challenging puzzle - fun and complex at the same time, and a source of a lot of time spent. This program will provide a crash course on how to create a Nutrition Facts Panel that is complete, compliant and customized to your product labels. This session will enable attendees to:

  • Summarize objectives of the Nutrition Labeling Education Act
  • Assess mandatory vs voluntary nutrients for compliance
  • Evaluate nutrition data using reference values and rounding rules
  • Recognize options for obtaining nutrient data: database, lab or supplier records
  • Identify sources and apply regulatory definitions for Added Sugars & Dietary Fiber
  • Explain Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC)
  • Create a compliant Nutrition Facts Panel with correct serving size
  • Assess single serve, mandatory and voluntary dual column labeling requirements
  • Choose the appropriate type of Nutrition Facts Panel
  • Optimize the Nutrition Facts Panel when space is limited

Label Claims & Enforcement
Food labels are in their "marketing claim era" - brimming with claims and no stopping! As consumer interests evolve, so does the gap between regulated and undefined claims. Join this session to gain key insights into the top FDA label claims. This session will enable attendees to:

  • Understand how regulations apply to vignettes and ad copy
  • Distinguish between nutrient, health, and structure/function claims
  • Evaluate geographic references and implied food origins
  • Apply FTC policies including "Made in USA" and “Green Guides”
  • Navigate clean label trends: "Made with real," "No artificial ingredients,” and “Natural”
  • Understand requirements for time-limited claims like "new"
  • Explore common certifications and labeling for kosher and organic
  • Assess regulations and consumer expectations for dietary trends such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, whole grain, and fresh
  • Explain FDA enforcement actions and regulatory oversight
  • Identify potential enforcement actions from other agencies and avenues

Nutrition Labeling

From regulators to marketing departments, nutrition is subject to a lot of interest. Navigating the regulations and many references to execute compliant labeling can be overwhelming. Learn about the technical fundamentals for creating Nutrition Facts Panels for retail food and beverage products under federal regulation - the result: nutrition labeling that meets regulatory requirements, helps consumers, and maximizes product positioning. Each 2-hour session is live and offers dedicated time for Q&A.

Nutrient Data & Graphics
This program will delve into the essential components of creating a compliant nutrition facts panel, focusing on data and graphic requirements. We’ll explore mandatory versus optional nutrients, the influence of marketing on panel design and requirements for data accuracy. You’ll also learn about proper rounding procedures and the importance of definitions and recordkeeping for specific nutrients. This session will enable attendees to:

  • Summarize objectives of the Nutrition Labeling Education Act
  • Determine regulations that apply, based on jurisdiction
  • Assess mandatory vs voluntary nutrients to ensure labeling compliance
  • Differentiate between variability in nutrient requirements for special populations
  • Evaluate nutrition data using applicable reference values and rounding rules
  • Recognize options for obtaining nutrient data: database, lab or supplier records
  • Identify sources and apply regulatory definitions for Added Sugars & Dietary Fiber
  • Apply framework for choosing the appropriate type of nutrition facts panel
  • Optimize nutrition panel when space is limited

Serving Size and Multi-Column Labeling
Ensuring the correct serving size is essential for a compliant nutrition facts panel - get the serving size wrong and all of the information on the panel could be non-compliant. This session will provide a framework for evaluating and determining the appropriate serving size for your products. Additionally, the session will cover when dual columns are mandatory or optional and explore requirements that allow for flexibility which could benefit your products. This session will enable attendees to:

  • Explain Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC) 
  • Apply framework to create a Nutrition Facts Panel with a compliant serving size 
  • Evaluate serving size and servings per container for content and format
  • Assess single serve, mandatory and voluntary dual column labeling requirements
  • Recognize opportunities to optimize multi-column labeling based on FDA Guidance

Nutrient Content Claims
Nutrient content claims are tightly regulated, providing clear guidelines but also presenting complex challenges in execution. This session will cover how to evaluate qualifying and disqualifying nutrient levels, craft accurate accompanying information and disclosure statements and assess the impact of claims on the nutrition facts panel. Join us to gain practical insights and strategies for ensuring your nutrient content claims are compliant and effectively communicated. This session will enable attendees to:

  • Explain the three categories of claims defined by statute and/or FDA regulations
  • Determine claim eligibility using disqualifying / qualifying nutrient levels
  • Check compliance with claim-specific requirements
  • Describe trending nutrition-related claims and enforcement in the marketplace

International Labeling

Canada has recently updated its food labeling requirements. In addition, it is up to food manufacturers to ensure their product labels are compliant before they go to market, and the regulations can be difficult to interpret. Learn the regulations that govern food labeling in Canada, and the differences with US labeling and CFIA enforcement. This training includes 2, 3-hour live sessions and offers dedicated time for Q&A.

All Mexican labels were required to meet the latest food labeling requirements by 2021. Attend this comprehensive seminar for an in-depth review of NOM-051 labeling standards, including the upcoming phase 3 requirements. Leveraging 20 years of experience, TechLink will share tips and recommendations on how to better label your items. This half-day training will take place in-person at the Food Label Conference in Washington DC.

Dairy Labeling Demystified:
Navigating Federal and State Regulations


Thursday, March 14th | 2:00 - 2:50 PM ET
Speaker: Kathy J. Laviolette, Dairy Products Specialist II | NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets | Milk Control

While federal agencies such as the FDA and USDA establish overarching standards, states may also have their own specific regulations. In the realm of dairy product labeling, a complex regulatory landscape exists, involving both federal and state governments. This 50-minute, virtual session will be presented from the perspective of a Dairy Labeling and Standards expert with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. We'll discuss foundational dairy labeling requirements and gain insight on the State Department's crucial involvement in establishing standards, performing inspections, addressing consumer concerns and enforcement actions against companies that violate labeling regulations.

Customized Trainings

Would you or a colleague benefit from intensive, personalized instruction in the latest in labeling -- of course! We offer one-on-one training by our labeling experts tailored to your needs. Remove the ambiguity of federal regulation, and let us do the hard work for you!


On-Site Training

With PLC's on-site training, we bring our experts straight to your facility and your staff. This comprehensive, personalized instruction:

  • Provides a flexible, customizable curriculum adjusted to your products & experience levels
  • Is available in one to three-day programs, to optimize our ability to meet your needs
  • Maximizes your staff's access to our experts—let them get the answers they need, all in one place!
  • Offers strategic recommendations for your company's labeling practices and procedures


One-on-One Instruction via Zoom

Get all of the benefits of personalized labeling training—without leaving the comfort of your desk. Our one-on-one online instruction:

  • Offers interactive demonstrations that toggle between your product labels and their associated rules in PLC's regulation libraries
  • Gives your staff the freedom to access our expert training from where ever they are in the world (internet connection required!)
  • Provides the the ultimate one-on-one training experience tailored to your products—with step-by-step instruction using accessible screen sharing technology


With PLC's Certification Program, your company will reap the benefits of reduced labeling errors and be better prepared for label auditing. Give your labeling staff the confidence, productivity, and flexibility they need—contact us today!

Contact Us

Manuals

If you’re involved in any aspect of food labeling, you know how hard it can be to make sense of CFR requirements—and more than ever, processors are becoming increasingly responsible for the accuracy of their labels. The good news is, we're here to help! Put the wealth of PLC's labeling expertise at your fingertips with our labeling manuals—designed in cooperation with former government labeling officials to give you the  ultimate labeling resource you won't find anywhere else. 


Nutrition Labeling
for FDA & USDA Regulated Foods

This manual is designed as a self-study guide to the complicated calculations of nutritional labeling. And as a convenient desk reference, this manual is designed for your constant use. This exceptional, 300-page volume:

  • Covers every food under federal regulation—from (chicken) soup to (cashew) nuts
  • Is organized in an easy to read, step-by-step format, in language you’ll understand
  • Covers every aspect of required nutrition labeling
  • Includes nuances and topics you won’t find anywhere else
  • Tips and tools to help save you time and avoid costly errors
  • Straightens out the ambiguities in CFR / and more!
View Contents


The Essential Guide to USDA Labeling
for Meat and Poultry Foods

Whether used as a handy reference or a critical training tool, Essential Guide is an indispensable resource for all your USDA labeling questions. Now updated and expanded to reflect important changes in federal regulations, this 230-page manual includes:

  • Up-to-date information on regulatory jurisdictions, required label features, processing requirements, and more
  • The changing roles of USDA/FSIS and processors in label approval
  • Standards of identity, product name qualifiers and restricted ingredients
  • Label approval records best practices—to keep your local inspector off your back!
View Contents

Give your labeling staff the strong foundation they need, in a language and format that’s easy to understand. Order yours today!

Order Now!

Manuals

If you’re involved in any aspect of food labeling, you know how hard it can be to make sense of CFR requirements—and more than ever, processors are becoming increasingly responsible for the accuracy of their labels. The good news is, we're here to help! Put the wealth of PLC's labeling expertise at your fingertips with our labeling manuals—designed in cooperation with former government labeling officials to give you the  ultimate labeling resource you won't find anywhere else. 


Nutrition Labeling
for FDA & USDA Regulated Foods

This manual is designed as a self-study guide to the complicated calculations of nutritional labeling. And as a convenient desk reference, this manual is designed for your constant use. This exceptional, 300-page volume:

  • Covers every food under federal regulation—from (chicken) soup to (cashew) nuts
  • Is organized in an easy to read, step-by-step format, in language you’ll understand
  • Covers every aspect of required nutrition labeling
  • Includes nuances and topics you won’t find anywhere else
  • Tips and tools to help save you time and avoid costly errors
  • Straightens out the ambiguities in CFR / and more!
View Contents


The Essential Guide to USDA Labeling
for Meat and Poultry Foods

Whether used as a handy reference or a critical training tool, Essential Guide is an indispensable resource for all your USDA labeling questions. Now updated and expanded to reflect important changes in federal regulations, this 230-page manual includes:

  • Up-to-date information on regulatory jurisdictions, required label features, processing requirements, and more
  • The changing roles of USDA/FSIS and processors in label approval
  • Standards of identity, product name qualifiers and restricted ingredients
  • Label approval records best practices—to keep your local inspector off your back!
View Contents

Give your labeling staff the strong foundation they need, in a language and format that’s easy to understand. Order yours today!

Order Now!

What Our Customers Say

The "Essential Guide to USDA Food Labeling"

Prime Label’s “Essential Guide to USDA Food Labeling” is the best! While many other resources can be difficult to sort through or decipher at times, the Essential Guide does a really great job of summarizing the most important labeling rules and subject matter. Well-organized, user-friendly, and with references back to the CFR, it’s become my go-to guide.
Jill Konecnik
Corporate Manager, Labeling Compliance & Specifications
John Morrell Food Group
The "Essential Guide to USDA Food Labeling"

Prime Label’s “Essential Guide to USDA Food Labeling” is the best! While many other resources can be difficult to sort through or decipher at times, the Essential Guide does a really great job of summarizing the most important labeling rules and subject matter. Well-organized, user-friendly, and with references back to the CFR, it’s become my go-to guide.
Jill Konecnik
Corporate Manager, Labeling Compliance & Specifications
John Morrell Food Group
Individualized Instruction

"Tyson Foods wanted to ensure that their entire label development team was on the same page. Twenty six colleagues assembled to hear Prime Label present a customized training. It allowed us to ask questions that were specific to our labels and challenges, and gave us some great strategies to use in label approval. And the certification allowed us to collect continuing education credit as well."
Molly Miller, MS, RD 
Project Leader, Regulatory Services
Tyson Foods, Inc.
The "Essential Guide to USDA Food Labeling"

Prime Label’s “Essential Guide to USDA Food Labeling” is the best! While many other resources can be difficult to sort through or decipher at times, the Essential Guide does a really great job of summarizing the most important labeling rules and subject matter. Well-organized, user-friendly, and with references back to the CFR, it’s become my go-to guide.
Jill Konecnik
Corporate Manager, Labeling Compliance & Specifications
John Morrell Food Group