December 2025 - Vol. 25, No. 24
Greetings! This issue marks our final newsletter of 2025, a year which has proven to be especially dynamic for the food industry. We feel privileged to be a “go to” resource for our readers as we navigate the regulatory headlines and updates together, all year long. Today we’re weighing in on statements related to images on food packages, such as “serving suggestion.” We then wrap up the year by featuring another valued member from our Insiders community.
Until next year, we’re sending the warmest holiday wishes to all of our readers!
In this issue:
• Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words?
• Food Labeler Spotlight
• Keeping You Current
Warmly,
Melissa Grzybowski, President, Food Consulting Company
____________________________
Reader Q+A
Answers to your important questions.
Q: What are the rules for images on food packages that are enlarged or show food items that are not included in the package (such as strawberries in a bowl of cereal)? Are statements like “enlarged to show texture” or “serving suggestion” required and if so, when and how must they be declared?
C.D., Graphic Designer, Florida
A: The FD&C Act requires that all food labels be truthful and not misleading to consumers. This applies to all label components, including images on packages. Depicting ingredients not included in the package or using enlarged images of the product are marketing techniques that may contribute to consumer confusion.
