DPG46 Food and Culinary Professionals (FCP)

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FDA-Compliant Nutrition Labels for Medically Tailored Meals-Seeking Guidance

  • 1.  FDA-Compliant Nutrition Labels for Medically Tailored Meals-Seeking Guidance

    Posted 2 days ago

    Hi everyone,

    I'm reaching out to tap into the expertise of this group as we navigate a new (and somewhat daunting) area of practice.

    I work for a medically tailored meal nonprofit, and our accrediting authority is likely moving toward requiring FDA-compliant food labels with Nutrition Facts Panels on all meals. While this isn't currently a requirement for us, we want to be proactive and start building the infrastructure now.

    As we've begun exploring this, we've realized there's a significant knowledge gap-especially when it comes to translating large-scale, batch-prepared meals into compliant labels. Unfortunately, the FDA guidance available hasn't been as practical or detailed as we'd hoped for this type of setting.

    I'm hoping to connect with anyone who:

    • Has experience developing FDA-compliant labels for prepared meals (especially in nonprofit, healthcare, or food service settings)
    • Has worked with programs like ESHA Food Processor or Zebra label printers
    • Can recommend more affordable labeling software options (e.g., FoodLabelMaker.com or similar tools)

    We are not in a position to afford higher-cost systems like Galley or Genesis Foods (Trustwell), so budget-friendly solutions are especially appreciated.

    Additionally, if you've come across helpful resources, training materials, or consultants with expertise in this space, I would greatly value any recommendations. We may also be looking to engage an expert consultant or advocate for our accrediting body to do so.

    Thank you in advance for any insights or connections you're willing to share-this is new territory for us, and we truly appreciate the support of this community.



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    Zachary Hedden, MS, RDN (he/him/his)
    Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
    Project Angel Heart
    Direct 303.407-9453 | Main 303.830.0202 | Fax 303.830.1840
    www.ProjectAngelHeart.org
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  • 2.  RE: FDA-Compliant Nutrition Labels for Medically Tailored Meals-Seeking Guidance

    Posted 20 hours ago

    Hi Zachary, 

    You are welcome to join my Food Labeling group on LinkedIn where you can post labeling related inquiries

    www.linkedin.com/groups/158141/

    I also have a Facebook group for dietitians in labeling/regulatory - members have various experience in diverse settings

    www.facebook.com/groups/1143233522504934

    I've spent most of my career in food labeling, primarily in consulting, including Nutrition Facts panels for prepared meals, and have also worked with Adult Congregate Meal, Head Start, Food Bank and Heart Association programs - anything in particular you seek more insights about?

    It's unfortunate that FDA's Food Labeling Guidance wasn't helpful because they never updated the Nutrition Facts section from the original format to the current 2016 update - now 10 years old! Have you seen all the resources available?

    www.fda.gov/food/guidance-documents-regulatory-information-topic-food-and-dietary-supplements/labeling-nutrition-guidance-documents-regulatory-information

    Good Luck!



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    Lauren Swann
    LS@FoodFactsWork.com
    (267)288-8563
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    Original Message