The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a specific set of rules regarding labeling and packaging that most food manufacturers have to follow. However, some companies and businesses who sell food items and dietary supplements are exempt from some of the rules. Generally speaking, small companies who produce fewer than 100,000 units or earn less than $50,000 annually in sales do not have to adhere to strict labeling laws since doing so places a financial burden on them. 

If you own a small business that produces food items or dietary supplements, you might be exempt under the law, but there are several reasons why you might want to consider paying a little extra for more detailed packaging. Following are three reasons why you should go above and beyond the food labeling law for small businesses. 

Consumers Want Labels

Today's consumer demands detailed information regarding the foods they eat. Information regarding ingredients, nutritional value, artificial dyes and serving size is something that almost every consumer pays attention to. What's more, consumers don't just want to know what is in their food; they want to know how it's made from beginning to end. Labels, such as "organic," tell customers that foods were grown without the use of pesticides, antibiotics and unnatural ingredients. Consumers are so label conscious that legislative bills regarding genetically modified food labeling are popping up all over the nation. 

It Keeps Everyone Healthier

More than 78 million adults are obese and that number just keeps growing. For people to get healthier and lose weight, they have to know what's in the foods they eat. Information regarding calories, grams of fat, sugar and carbohydrates is essential for these individuals. If you don't label your foods accordingly, these consumers might opt for another product that's clearly labeled. 

It May Help You Avoid Litigation

While the law is on your side if you choose not to label your foods and dietary supplements extensively, doing so may help you avoid a lawsuit. If your food has more calories than similar products, for example, someone may sue you because they gained weight while eating your product. They may not win, but you will still have to deal with the headache of a lawsuit. If your foods are clearly labeled, on the other hand, you can argue that the consumer knew exactly what they were getting. 

As you can see, there are numerous reasons why you might want to label your foods and dietary supplements extensively even though the law says you don't have to. Consumers love labels. They want to know what they're feeding their families. And if they care so much, you should too. For more information about how to keep your business safe from litigation, contact a company such as D.B. Clark Law Office.​