FDA 21 CFR § 101.105
FDA Net Weight Label Requirements
Food packaging sold in the U.S. must display the net quantity of contents on the principal display panel. This declaration tells consumers exactly how much product is inside — and it must follow strict rules about placement, units, and format.
Key Requirements
- Must appear on the principal display panel (the front of the package)
- Must be in the lower 30% of the principal display panel
- Must declare weight in both U.S. customary and metric units
- Must be net weight — the weight of the product only, not the packaging
- Type size must scale with the area of the PDP — larger packages require larger type
- Must not use "approximate" language — the declared weight must be accurate
Format and Examples
Net weight declarations must use standardized abbreviations and express both U.S. and metric amounts. The metric amount appears in parentheses.
Solid / semi-solid food
Net Wt 12 oz (340 g)
Net Wt 1 lb 4 oz (567 g)
Liquid food
Net 16 fl oz (473 mL)
Net Contents 1 qt (946 mL)
For weights of 1 pound or more, you may express using pounds and ounces (e.g., "1 lb 4 oz") or decimal fractions of a pound (e.g., "1.25 lb"). Both are acceptable.
Net Weight vs. Drained Weight
For foods packed in liquid — such as canned tomatoes, olives, or fruit in syrup — you must declare the net weight of the entire contents (product + liquid). You may also voluntarily declare the drained weight.
Canned food example
Net Wt 14.5 oz (411 g)
Drained Wt 8.5 oz (241 g)
Common Mistakes
✕
Placing the net weight declaration above the lower 30% of the principal display panel✕
Omitting the metric (gram or mL) equivalent✕
Using "approximately" or "about" in the net weight declaration — the amount must be stated precisely✕
Declaring gross weight (product + packaging) instead of net weight✕
Using type that is too small for the PDP area — the font size must scale with package size✕
Using non-standard abbreviations — use "oz," "fl oz," "lb," "g," and "mL" only