Food and Beverage Translation
Translation of food labels, allergen statements, specifications, menus and supplier documents for importers, manufacturers and restaurants.
The short answer
Food labels sold in the US carry their required statements in English; if any foreign language appears, all required statements must also appear in it (21 CFR 101.15(c)). Allergen declarations cover the major food allergens, including sesame since 1 January 2023 (21 U.S.C. 343(w)). In the EU, mandatory food information must be in a language easily understood where it is sold (Regulation 1169/2011, Article 15).
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| Required label statements must be in English; if a foreign language is used, all required information must also appear in it. | 21 CFR 101.15(c) |
| Foods containing a major food allergen must declare it; sesame became a major allergen on 1 January 2023 under the FASTER Act. | 21 U.S.C. 343(w) |
| Nutrition labelling follows a prescribed format and content. | 21 CFR 101.9 |
| Mandatory food information in the EU must be in a language easily understood by consumers of the member state where the food is marketed. | Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Article 15 |
| Imported food must be marked with the English name of its country of origin. | 19 CFR 134.45(a) |
Importers: foreign labels for the US market
Imported food often arrives with a label in the producer's language. Before it can be sold, it needs a compliant US label: either an English label, or a bilingual one that carries every required statement in both languages. That means the statement of identity, net quantity, ingredients, allergen declaration, Nutrition Facts, the responsible firm's name and address, and the country of origin. Translating the foreign label word for word is a starting point; the US label then has to be built to US rules, because ingredient naming, allergen rules and nutrition formats differ.
Allergens
US law recognises nine major food allergens, including sesame since 2023. Foreign labels follow their own lists (the EU has 14, including celery, mustard and lupin), so a translated EU label can over- or under-declare by US standards. We translate the allergen statement exactly and flag differences, but the allergen declaration on the US label is decided from the recipe, not from the translation.
Specifications and supplier documents
Product specifications, certificates of analysis, HACCP plans, audit reports and supplier questionnaires from foreign suppliers need accurate English versions for your food safety team and for FDA if it asks. Numbers, limits and methods are copied exactly.
Menus
Restaurant menus are marketing and information at once. Dish names are often kept in the original with a description underneath ("Cochinita pibil: slow-roasted pork in achiote and citrus"). Allergen and dietary notes must be exact. Chains covered by federal menu labelling rules carry calorie information; if the menu is translated, the calorie information goes with it.
Exporting US food
US producers exporting to the EU, Canada or Latin America need labels in the destination's language and format; we translate to the destination's requirements as your regulatory adviser sets them.
Recalls and safety communications
When a product is recalled, consumer notices, retailer instructions and press releases may be needed in Spanish and other languages quickly. Prepare template wording in advance; in a recall, short documents can be translated within hours on expedited service, with product names, lot codes and dates copied exactly.
Certification schemes
Suppliers certified under GFSI-benchmarked schemes, organic programs or religious certification send certificates and audit reports in many languages. Buyers' quality teams need English versions of the certificate scope, validity dates and non-conformities.
What we don't do
We translate; we do not design labels, determine allergen content or nutrition values, or certify FDA or EU compliance.
Documents we translate for this
Brochure translation
Translation of brochures, catalogues, flyers and sales sheets, with text-expansion and disclosure rules handled for each market.
Contract translation
Certified translation of contracts and leases: supply, distribution, employment, rental and sale agreements, for signing, courts, lenders and USCIS.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Do EU allergen statements translate directly to US labels?
Not always. The EU lists 14 allergens and the US nine; the US label is built from the recipe under US rules, not from a translation.
Can you translate supplier specifications?
Yes, with limits, methods and units copied exactly.
Can you translate a recall notice urgently?
Yes. Short notices in hours with expedited service, with lot codes and dates copied exactly.
Can an imported food keep its foreign label?
Only if every required US statement also appears in English. Otherwise a compliant US label is applied before sale.
Is sesame an allergen on US labels?
Yes, since 1 January 2023, sesame is one of the nine major food allergens under US law.
Do you translate restaurant menus?
Yes, with dish names kept or translated as you prefer, and allergen and dietary notes exact.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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