What Should Be on the Label of a Packaged Food Product?

What should be on a packaged food label?

A label must match the product and the applicable NAFDAC requirements. Do not rely on a generic design template or print a registration number that has not been issued for the actual product.

Start with the product and route

Identify the product category, manufacturer and registration route before designing final artwork. NAFDAC’s food-registration guidance calls for informative, clear and accurate labelling. Published food guidance lists core particulars including:

• the name of the food and brand name, where applicable;

• the manufacturer, distributor or packer’s name and location address;

• ingredients and net content;

• batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date;

• relevant warnings; and

• space for the applicable NAFDAC registration or listing number.

The exact checklist depends on the product and approval route. NAFDAC’s MSME page also lists supporting items such as product labels, standard operating procedures and batch formulation for relevant MSME products. Confirm current product-specific requirements directly before printing.

Review artwork before production

Use verified product information rather than guessing ingredients, shelf life, claims or manufacturer details. Make text readable at the final package size. Check that a contract-manufacturing arrangement, brand owner and product description are consistent across the application and label.

Prepare a draft for review, but do not imply that the product is approved or display an unissued registration number. Keep the accepted artwork version with the application record. Bulk printing before the required review can create avoidable rework.

Get the right support

Ask CredaBiz about compliance and product-registration support. Explain the product type and stage so the team can confirm whether the work fits its current scope and quote.

Sources and further reading

• NAFDAC food product registration guidance

• NAFDAC MSME guidance

Official references and CredaBiz service information checked 5 November 2026. NAFDAC’s current instructions for the specific product take precedence.