Understanding Food Labeling (2013)

This booklet provides basic explanations about the federal government’s requirements for nutritional labeling and provides sources of information for food processors and producers who may be required to use the labels on their products.

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Understanding Packaging and Specifications for Wholesale Markets

Sponsored by NC Growing Together, NC Cooperative Extension, and Southern SARE. NCGT Extension and Training Coordinator Joanna Lelekacs moderates this webinar, which features information on Retail Ready for Local Foods, Wholesale and Retail Product Specifications and Best Practices for Fresh Produce with Trish Tripp, and Understanding PLU and UPC codes with Ariel Fugate.

Tips for Produce Growers Marketing Fresh Produce to Retail Grocers: Understanding PLU and UPC Codes (2014)

PLU and UPC codes are two widely used tracking mechanisms that help retailers efficiently ring produce into the register in the check-out lane, track sales, control inventory and market products. Being knowledgeable about these labels in advance of approaching a retailer shows a grower’s awareness of the retailer’s industry.

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Special Claims and the Approval Process for Niche Meat Production

Produced by NC Choices and NC Growing Together, this NC Cooperative Extension publication provides information to meat handlers about voluntary claims, definition of common voluntary claims, and the requirements and further documentation necessary to support those claims.

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USDA Food Safety Inspection Service Nutrition Labeling Compliance Guidelines for NC Meat Handlers and Meat Processors

The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recently issued a nutrition labeling rule that applies to the sale of single ingredient, raw meat and poultry products.

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Retailer Talking Points: How to Answer Consumer Questions on Local Meats

NC Choices and NC Growing Together created this helpful guide that provides answers to consumers’ commonly-asked questions about label claims on local meats.

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NC Choices FAQs: Agricultural Marketing Service’s Withdrawal of the Grass Fed Claim (2016)

Many producers have asked questions about the new Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) change to withdraw the voluntary marketing claim standard, Grass (Forage) Fed, and the Naturally Raised Marketing Claim Standard. To help address some of these questions, NC Choices has put together a brief set of questions and answers on the Grass fed Label change.

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