Agriculture and food production: the numbers, the rules, the AI picture.

• FDA nutrient content and health claims (21 CFR Part 101) and the small business nutrition label exemption (21 CFR 101.9(j))

  A nutrient content claim, such as "low sodium", "high in fiber" or "healthy", may only be made on a label or in labeling if it meets FDA's definitions. Health claims linking a food to reduced disease risk need FDA authorization or enforcement discretion. Small sellers and low-volume products can skip Nutrition Facts only if their labels, labeling and advertising make no nutrition claims.

  What it means: Keep a list of every claim word you use online and check it against FDA's definitions. If you rely on the small business exemption, do not write nutrient or health claims anywhere, including product pages and ads. The updated "healthy" rule took effect April 28, 2025, with compliance due February 25, 2028.

  [6] fda.gov

• Major food allergen labeling: FALCPA and the FASTER Act

  The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires foods containing a major allergen to name its food source. The FASTER Act added sesame as the ninth major allergen from January 1, 2023. The source must appear in parentheses after the ingredient or in a "Contains" statement, with the specific tree nut, fish or shellfish named.

  What it means: Publish the full ingredient list and allergen statement on every product page, word for word with the current label. Update the page the day a recipe or supplier changes, and name the specific tree nut, fish or shellfish.

  [3] fda.gov

• USDA National Organic Program labeling (7 CFR Part 205)

  Products sold, labeled or represented as organic must come from certified operations, unless the operation earns $5,000 or less a year from organic sales. "100 percent organic" and "organic" (at least 95% organic ingredients) may use the USDA seal. "Made with organic" (at least 70%) may not. Knowingly mislabeling a product as organic carries civil penalties per violation.

  What it means: Use "organic" on the website only for products your certificate covers, in the right category. Exempt small farms may call products organic but must not show the seal or claim to be certified, and must keep records for three years. Name your certifier on the product or about page so buyers can verify.

  [7] ams.usda.gov

• USDA FSIS label approval and U.S.-origin claims for meat, poultry and egg products (9 CFR 412)

  Labels with special statements and claims, such as "natural", raising claims like "no antibiotics administered", health claims and organic labels, need FSIS sketch approval before use. Since January 1, 2026, "Product of USA" and "Made in the USA" on these products require animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

  What it means: Do not write a raising, natural or origin claim online that the approved label does not carry. Keep the supporting records the rule describes, and make sure product pages, feeds and marketplace listings use the approved wording.

  [8] govinfo.gov

• FTC Made in USA Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 323) and USDA Country of Origin Labeling

  An unqualified Made in USA claim means the product is all or virtually all made in the United States. The rule covers labels and online or mail order marketing that shows a Made in USA seal or mark, and allows civil penalties. Products subject to other country-of-origin laws are excluded, and USDA COOL covers fresh produce, fish, lamb, goat, chicken and some nuts at retail.

  What it means: Check which regime covers each product before you write an origin claim. For packaged foods with imported ingredients, use a qualified claim or none. For meat and poultry, follow the FSIS rule above. Keep sourcing evidence on file.

  [9] ftc.gov

• FTC advertising substantiation and the Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260); FDA policy on "natural"

  The FTC has primary responsibility for claims in advertising, and health benefit claims for foods need competent and reliable scientific evidence. The Green Guides say marketers should not make unqualified general environmental claims such as "eco-friendly". FDA has a policy, not a rule, that "natural" means nothing artificial or synthetic was added.

  What it means: Replace "sustainable" or "eco-friendly" with the specific, provable practice: cover crops, recycled packaging, a named certification. Do not imply health benefits on social media that the label could not carry. Treat "natural" as a narrow ingredient claim, not a farming promise.

  [10] ftc.gov

• State cottage food laws (for example, Texas Health and Safety Code 437 and California's Homemade Food Act)

  States decide which home-made foods can be sold and how. Texas allows online cottage food sales when the operator, an employee or a household member delivers in person, and label information is posted online before payment. California Class A operators sell direct, including by internet and mail delivery, within published annual sales limits.

  What it means: Check your own state before you add shipping or wholesale. Post the full label, including any required home-kitchen disclosure, on the product page. Do not market across state lines without confirming the rules for interstate food sales.

  [11] dshs.texas.gov

• Alcohol: TTB label approval and advertising rules, plus Google alcohol policies

  Wine, beer and spirits labels go through TTB's Certificate of Label Approval process. Wine advertising must follow 27 CFR 4.60 to 4.65, which require the responsible advertiser and the class or type. TTB says its Market Compliance Office reviews industry member websites and social media. Google allows US alcohol ads and listings that do not target minors.

  What it means: Make sure the website and ads use the same class, type and claims as the approved label. Google Ads requires the alcohol by volume on the landing page for drinks of 0.5% or more. State shipping laws for direct sales vary widely, so confirm them before you advertise delivery.

  [12] ttb.gov

General information, not legal advice. Food, organic, alcohol and cottage food rules change and differ by product, state and country. Confirm the current rules with FDA, USDA, the FTC, TTB, your state health department or a food law attorney before you rely on any of this. In Canada, start with the CFIA Industry Labelling Tool; in the UK, the Food Standards Agency.