The 1966 Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
The 1966 Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) is a law in the United States that requires the truth in labeling of most products sold in the U.S. It requires that labels on consumer goods accurately and completely describe all of the contents, ingredients, and other information about a product. The FPLA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, who may bring legal action against manufacturers and distributors who violate the law. The FPLA outlines the types of information that must be included on packaging labels, as well as specific labeling requirements for certain types of products.
What the FPLA Requires
The FPLA requires that labeling and packaging clearly and accurately state the following information:
- The product’s identity
- The quantity of contents
- The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- The net quantity in both metric and U.S. customary units
- A list of ingredients, if applicable
- Instructions for use and/or preparation, if applicable
- Any health hazard warnings, if applicable
In addition, the FPLA also requires that all labeling on products must be done in a clear and conspicuous manner, so that consumers can easily read and understand the information.
Examples of the FPLA in Action
The FPLA has been used to protect consumers from misleading packaging and labeling in a number of cases. For example, in 2018, the FTC brought a case against a company that was selling a “superfood” dietary supplement without including the full list of ingredients on the label. The FTC alleged that the company had violated the FPLA by not accurately disclosing all of the ingredients in the product. In another case, the FTC brought a case against a company selling a weight-loss supplement that was falsely labeled as a “natural” product. The FTC alleged that the company had violated the FPLA by failing to disclose the full list of ingredients in the product.
Conclusion
The 1966 Fair Packaging and Labeling Act is an important law that helps protect consumers from deceptive and misleading packaging and labeling. By requiring manufacturers and distributors to accurately and fully disclose all of the information about a product, the FPLA helps to ensure that consumers can make informed decisions about the products they purchase. For more information on the FPLA and its requirements, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website here. You can also find more information on the FTC’s enforcement actions related to the FPLA here.