Intro
Most companies don’t lose money because of poor design — they lose it because of label compliance mistakes. The wrong font size, a missing allergen, or a label that fails in storage can trigger recalls, wasted packaging, or even lawsuits.
In this article, we’ll walk through the 5 most common compliance mistakes we see and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Wrong Font Size or Placement
First, let’s start with the basics: font size and placement.
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Regulations like FDA food labeling or Prop 65 require minimum font sizes and specific placement.
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Too small = noncompliant, and therefore at risk of rejection or recall.
Mistake #2: Missing Allergen or Warning Disclosures
In addition, many food brands miss allergen callouts, while consumer goods companies skip warnings like Prop 65. Both errors put your business at risk.
👉 For more on allergens and FDA rules, see our post on FDA Food Labeling Requirements.
Mistake #3: Outdated Regulatory Language
However, even when labels are accurate at first, regulations change. Labels designed even a few years ago may no longer be compliant.
Therefore, you should always verify your wording against current rules before a reprint. (FDA Food Labeling Guide )
Mistake #4: Skipping Substrate & Durability Testing
On top of content errors, compliance can fail if the label itself doesn’t hold up.
For example:
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Labels in biotech may face cryogenic storage at -80°C.
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Consumer goods may face heat, moisture, or chemical exposure.
If your labels peel or smear in these environments, compliance fails just as quickly as if you missed an allergen.
Mistake #5: Poor Record Keeping
Without lot numbers, serialization, or proper documentation, audits become a nightmare. Missing traceability can lead to fines and rejected shipments.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, compliance mistakes are expensive, but they’re also avoidable. With the right checks in place, you can prevent costly errors and keep your products moving without interruptions.
👉 At San Diego Label, we build compliance checks into every job, so your packaging is ready for regulators and your customers.