Personal Finance Product Labels

Food Products Required Information by the FDA Common name Form of food (whole, chopped, diced, etc) Net weight or volume Name and address of manufacturer List of ingredients Nutritional facts

Food Products Voluntary Information Cooking directions and recipes Brand name Price information Open by date – about 20 states require this but federal law does not

Apparel Products Required information by FTC Manufacturer Fiber name and content by weight (100% cotton) Country of origin if not USA Care information such as how to launder, dry, iron, or dry clean

Apparel Products Laws Wool Products Labeling Act – wool products must be labeled with percent and type of fiber Textiles Fibers Products Identification Act – apparel products must be labeled with generic name, fiber content, percent of fiber, and country of origin if not USA Permanent Care Labeling Rule – label best way to clean product Flammable Fabrics Act – set flammability standards for apparel such as children’s sleepwear, carpets, rugs, and mattresses

Apparel Products Other manufacturers’ information Size Color Designer name Special finishes such as stain resistant Quality of construction Must be assessed by studying details of actual product such as seams, zippers, etc.

Personal Hygiene Products Also known as cosmetics and personal grooming products Those that claim to alter the body are also classified as drugs FDA Requires the following information on labels: Name and description of product Ingredients Quantity by count, measure, or weight Country of origin if not USA Name and address of marketer Name and address of manufacturer Warnings and instructions Tamper resistant packaging on some products

Personal Hygiene Products There are no laws governing the use of terms on cosmetics (non-drugs) and manufactures can include any of the following to boost sales: Dermatologist tested Hypoallergenic Fragrance free Natural Vitamin enriched Non-drugs include products such as lipstick, nail polish, etc.

Personal Hygiene Products Suggestions for making informed purchasing decisions Ask recommendations from family and friends Needs vary from person to person Judge products by quality of ingredients – not price Read directions and follow safety warnings Read ingredients and keep track of those that cause reactions Stop any product that causes a reaction Buy small samples to test new products Evaluate your purchase for safety, effectiveness, economy, and need before purchasing.

Medicinal Products Regulated by the FDA Drugs are sold as generic or brand names Generic drugs have the same ingredients and effectiveness at a much lower cost

Medicinal Products Types of drugs as defined by FDA Prescription drugs Available only from a doctor Stronger and more effective than over the counter May have side effects Health insurance helps cover the costs FDA requires the following info on labels: Pharmacist’s name Address Phone number Prescription number and date Name of patient and doctor Directions Expiration date

Medicinal Products Types of drugs as defined by FDA Over the Counter Drugs No prescription needed Considered safe if directions are followed May not be covered by health insurance FDA requires the following on labels Name and address of manufacturer Quantity of contents Purpose of medication Directions for use and storage Recommended dosages Cautions and warnings Possible side effects Other ingredients Expiration date

Medicinal Products Suggestions for making informed purchases: Check for generic substitutes Ask if drug is habit forming Exercise caution when using dietary supplements – these are not tested or approved by FDA Beware of websites that sell unapproved products Avoid tobacco products as these can lead to health problems