Home · Fix Guides · Food Not Labeled — Bulk or Packaged Items Missing Required Information
CCore · FDA Food Code 3-602.11 · 90 days (Core)

How to fix: Food Not Labeled — Bulk or Packaged Items Missing Required Information

Bulk food items, packaged food prepared on-site, or retail food items lacked required labeling including the common name of the food, ingredients, or allergen information.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 3-602.11 requires that packaged food offered for retail sale or service bear a label with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients and sub-ingredients in descending order by weight, the name and address of the responsible party, net weight or volume, and required allergen disclosure. Food prepared and packaged on-site (jams, sauces, baked goods for retail, catering packs) must meet these requirements. Unlabeled bulk bins in self-service areas must show at minimum the common name. Inspectors check retail display cases, self-service areas, and packaged takeout and catering items.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Label all packaged food items with at minimum: common name, ingredient list, allergen disclosure, business name, and net weight
2Add signage or bin labels to all bulk food and self-service items showing the common name
3Create a standard label template for all on-site packaged products and apply it consistently
4Review all retail display items and remove any that cannot be labeled correctly before your re-inspection
5Train staff responsible for packaging food on labeling requirements

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Reviews retail food items and packaged on-site products for required label information
☐Checks bulk food bins and self-service areas for minimum common-name labeling
☐Verifies allergen information is included on packaged items containing the Big 9 allergens
☐Looks at catering packs and take-home containers for proper identification
☐Confirms that unlabeled items are clearly identified with at least the food name

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Build food labeling into your packaging workflow as the final step before any item goes to retail or service
Maintain a label supply and a labeling station adjacent to your packaging area
Review labeling requirements whenever you add a new packaged product

Related violations to check

Allergen Disclosure Missing→Date Marking of Ready-to-Eat Food→Consumer Advisory for Undercooked Food Missing→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 3-602.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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