United Fresh to offer legal review of labels

United Fresh Produce Association members will soon have access to legal review of its product labels through a partnership with OFW Law.

This new service was started by the United Fresh Finance & Business Management Council because of increased member requests for help with product label reviews. Founded in 1979, OFW Law is a firm with expertise in food and agriculture regulatory issues.

“The number of regulations related to food labeling can be complex for produce companies to navigate,” said Jason Pounds, Secretary-Treasurer of Hardies Fresh Foods and Chairman of the Finance & Business Management Council. “As more produce companies are adding packaged products to their offerings, the more important it is to ensure that your product labels comply with applicable federal and state laws.”

In the new service, United Fresh members can contact United Fresh’s Member Services Department to submit their proposed final label to OFW Law for review. OFW Law will then review the label for compliance with the Fair Label & Packaging Act, the Food & Drug Cosmetic Act, and applicable state labeling laws, and will make recommendations on any revisions needed for compliance.

The cost for label review is $600 per label. Substantially similar labels, such as labels with different SKUs/counts of the same product but with similar labeling claims, may be considered under one label review.

“United Fresh delivers resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues,” said Miriam Wolk, Vice President of Member Services. “We’re pleased to partner with OFW Law, a recognized expert on food labeling laws, to provide this resource to our member companies.”

To request your label review, or for more information about the program, visit the United Fresh website or contact Miriam Wolk at 202-303-3410 or mwolk@unitedfresh.org.

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.