Labeling and Packaging

When packaging and labeling your own food product, there are several simple steps to follow:

• List ingredients in the product from the largest to the smallest.
• Weight or volume of the product.
• Name and address where the product is produced.
• If you claim a nutritional value on the label, contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for further information.

Pertinent South Dakota Codified Laws are found in SDCL 39-4-1 through 39-4-25 (refer to Applicable Codified Laws and Rules section for links). You should also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for information specific to your needs. For federal guidelines, click here to access the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, or contact the FDA in Sioux Falls by calling 605-330-4383.

South Dakota has adopted the following Handbooks published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):

• NIST Handbook 44 - Specifications, tolerances, and other technical requirements for weighing and measuring devices;
• NIST Handbook 130 - Uniform laws and regulations in the areas of legal metrology and engine fuel quality
• NIST Handbook 133 - Checking the net contents of packaged goods

These Handbooks provide specific guidance on liquid measures and dry measures (HB 44); packaging and labeling, commodity method of sale, and unit pricing (HB 130); and test procedures for determining the net contents of packaged goods (HB 133).