Product Label Translation

The all-or-nothing rule

FDA's labelling rules for food (and similar rules for drugs, devices and cosmetics) allow a second language but punish half measures: if the label says anything in Spanish, all the mandatory information must be in Spanish too. A Spanish product name with an English-only ingredient list and allergen statement does not comply. When we translate a label, we start from the list of mandatory elements for the product type, not from the text on the artwork, and tell you if something required is missing from the English.

What is on a food label

• Statement of identity (the common name of the food).
• Net quantity, in both metric and US units on US labels.
• Ingredient list in descending order of weight.
• Allergen declaration (the major allergens, including sesame since 2023).
• Nutrition Facts panel.
• Name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor.
• Country of origin, for imported products.

Nutrition Facts panels in Spanish follow FDA's format; we translate the headings with the terms used on FDA's Spanish materials and keep the numbers and format unchanged.

Textiles and apparel

Clothing labels must show fibre content by percentage using generic fibre names, the country of origin, the manufacturer's name or RN number, and care instructions. Care instructions can use the standard symbols instead of words. Generic fibre names have fixed translations (cotton, algodón, coton); we use them, never trade names.

Canada and the EU

For Canada, federal labelling generally requires English and French, and Quebec's Charter requires French on product inscriptions and instructions. For the EU, the General Product Safety Regulation requires safety information in each member state's chosen language, and food labels follow the EU Food Information Regulation in the language of the country of sale.

Space

Labels are small. Translations can run longer than English, so send dimensions and we write the shortest accurate wording, flagging where a bilingual layout will not fit.

Cosmetics and supplements

Cosmetics and dietary supplements follow their own FDA labelling rules, with the same principle for foreign languages: required statements in English, and complete in any other language used. Ingredient names on cosmetics use standard INCI names, which are the same in every language and are not translated. Supplement Facts panels keep their format and values.