Product Labels

1. Product Labels Personal Finance

2. Food Products • Required Information by the FDA • Common name • Form of food (whole, chopped, diced, etc) • Net weight or volume • Name and address of manufacturer • List of ingredients • Nutritional facts

3. Food Products • Voluntary Information • Cooking directions and recipes • Brand name • Price information • Open by date – about 20 states require this but federal law does not

4. Apparel Products • Required information by FTC • Manufacturer • Fiber name and content by weight (100% cotton) • Country of origin if not USA • Care information such as how to launder, dry, iron, or dry clean

5. Apparel Products • Laws • Wool Products Labeling Act – wool products must be labeled with percent and type of fiber • Textiles Fibers Products Identification Act – apparel products must be labeled with generic name, fiber content, percent of fiber, and country of origin if not USA • Permanent Care Labeling Rule – label best way to clean product • Flammable Fabrics Act – set flammability standards for apparel such as children’s sleepwear, carpets, rugs, and mattresses

6. Apparel Products • Other manufacturers’ information • Size • Color • Designer name • Special finishes such as stain resistant • Quality of construction • Must be assessed by studying details of actual product such as seams, zippers, etc.

7. Personal Hygiene Products • Also known as cosmetics and personal grooming products • Those that claim to alter the body are also classified as drugs • FDA Requires the following information on labels: • Name and description of product • Ingredients • Quantity by count, measure, or weight • Country of origin if not USA • Name and address of marketer • Name and address of manufacturer • Warnings and instructions • Tamper resistant packaging on some products

8. Personal Hygiene Products • There are no laws governing the use of terms on cosmetics (non-drugs) and manufactures can include any of the following to boost sales: • Dermatologist tested • Hypoallergenic • Fragrance free • Natural • Vitamin enriched • Non-drugs include products such as lipstick, nail polish, etc.

9. Personal Hygiene Products • Suggestions for making informed purchasing decisions • Ask recommendations from family and friends • Needs vary from person to person • Judge products by quality of ingredients – not price • Read directions and follow safety warnings • Read ingredients and keep track of those that cause reactions • Stop any product that causes a reaction • Buy small samples to test new products • Evaluate your purchase for safety, effectiveness, economy, and need before purchasing.

10. Medicinal Products • Regulated by the FDA • Drugs are sold as generic or brand names • Generic drugs have the same ingredients and effectiveness at a much lower cost

11. Medicinal Products • Types of drugs as defined by FDA • Prescription drugs • Available only from a doctor • Stronger and more effective than over the counter • May have side effects • Health insurance helps cover the costs • FDA requires the following info on labels: • Pharmacist’s name • Address • Phone number • Prescription number and date • Name of patient and doctor • Directions • Expiration date

12. Medicinal Products • Types of drugs as defined by FDA • Over the Counter Drugs • No prescription needed • Considered safe if directions are followed • May not be covered by health insurance • FDA requires the following on labels • Name and address of manufacturer • Quantity of contents • Purpose of medication • Directions for use and storage • Recommended dosages • Cautions and warnings • Possible side effects • Other ingredients • Expiration date

13. Medicinal Products • Suggestions for making informed purchases: • Check for generic substitutes • Ask if drug is habit forming • Exercise caution when using dietary supplements – these are not tested or approved by FDA • Beware of websites that sell unapproved products • Avoid tobacco products as these can lead to health problems