Food labels aren’t just stickers anymore—they’re battlegrounds for consumer trust, regulatory scrutiny, and public health. With diet-related diseases on the rise—including a staggering fourfold increase in global child and adolescent obesity since 1990, according to the World Health Organization—people aren’t simply grabbing products off the shelf. They’re scanning, comparing, and holding brands accountable. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 83% of consumers now read food labels regularly and three out of four check both ingredients and nutrition facts before making a purchase. Front-of-package (FOP) labeling is quickly becoming the frontline in that fight.

For manufacturers, the message is clear: If your label isn’t telling the whole story, your customers will find someone else’s that does.

And here’s where the stakes get even higher—labeling errors were the leading cause of food recalls in 2024. A missing allergen warning or incorrect nutrition data isn’t just a regulatory slip-up—it can lead to costly recalls, damaged brand reputation, and, most importantly, consumer harm.

Front-of-pack: Because fine print isn’t cutting it anymore 

Governments worldwide are making sure key nutritional facts are no longer buried in the fine print. Central to this is FOP labeling, a global initiative forcing food producers to be upfront—literally—about what’s inside. Countries like Mexico, the UK, Brazil, and several EU Member States have introduced FOP systems designed to highlight high levels of nutrients like sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. 

Even in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed new FOP labeling rules to ensure key nutrient details are prominently displayed. These changes echo a collective commitment to reducing diet-related illnesses and promoting informed dietary choices on a global scale. 

Canada is no exception. Under new regulations, foods exceeding specific thresholds for sodium, sugars, or saturated fats must now include a ‘high in‘ symbol prominently on their packaging. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to combat dietary challenges and empower its citizens.

For brands, this means a major shift: Compliance goes beyond staying out of regulatory trouble to staying on the right side of consumer expectations.

A unified approach to compliance 

With labeling missteps driving recalls and global FOP mandates accelerating, brands need more than just a compliance checklist—they need a better way to manage the flood of data that often lives in different systems (or worse, spreadsheets). A connected, digital solution can help ensure transparency, consistency, and trust from source to shelf. That’s where TraceGains comes in, by integrating all your data and normalizing it so you can make defensible claims effortlessly.

Label accuracy built on precision nutrition

Now supporting Canada’s new front-of-package labeling regulations, TraceGains’ NutriCalc provides a seamless way for food manufacturers, retailers, and regulatory professionals alike to handle complex requirements with precision. It pulls from detailed ingredient data and generates fully compliant labels—so you don’t have to double-check every formula by hand. With built-in support for Canadian FOP rules and international labeling standards, it keeps your labels audit-ready no matter where your products are sold. With calculated nutritional values now widely accepted by compliance bodies worldwide, nutritional labeling—whether front of back-of-pack—can increasingly be an integrated part of rapid product innovation.

One version of the truth—finally

Ever made a last-minute formula tweak and worried about whether it made it to the label? With TraceGains Formula Management, you don’t have to. It connects ingredient data, certifications, and product specs into a single source of truth, so every update flows seamlessly from formulation to final label. Whether you’re rolling out a new recipe or fine-tuning an existing one, you’ll always know your labels are accurate, compliant, and up to date. And with increasingly sophisticated integrations with Esko WebCenter, the industry leader in packaging and artwork design and process management, packaging and product workflows need never be out of sync.

Smarter sourcing, better labels

Good labels start with good data, and TraceGains Ingredients Marketplace makes finding reliable ingredient information easier than ever. With instant access to millions of supplier documents, you can source ingredients without chasing down missing specs—ensuring your labels are always based on the latest, most accurate information.

Prove your sustainability claims

Today’s consumers don’t just read labels; they scrutinize them—especially when it comes to sustainability. TraceGains partners like Sustained and DitchCarbon help you track carbon footprints, validate sustainability metrics, and back up your claims with hard data. Whether you’re reducing emissions or sourcing responsibly, you’ll have the proof to show regulators—and your customers—you’re walking the talk.

When labels get complicated, data shouldn’t

TraceGains doesn’t just help you follow the rules—it makes compliance a competitive advantage. By unifying data across suppliers, partners, and internal teams, it ensures every claim you make is backed by real, connected insights. That means fewer compliance headaches, fewer labeling surprises, and more confidence in the products you put on shelves.

From sourcing ingredients to validating claims, TraceGains makes FOP compliance easier, faster, and more accurate—so you can focus on growth instead of regulatory roadblocks.

The future of labeling is clear—is your brand ready?

The road ahead for food producers will demand vigilance and adaptability to evolving rules. Label accuracy will remain a key battleground, essential to protecting consumers and your brand. 

Let’s make compliance one less thing to worry about. Because in a world where labels matter more than ever, the best strategy is simple: Be upfront. 

Request a demo to learn more.