When it comes to meat and seafood packaging, your labels need to do more than just look good—they need to be FDA-compliant, durable, and able to withstand cold, moisture, and handling. Whether you’re selling deli meats, beef jerky, fish sticks, burgers, or fresh and frozen seafood, your label is responsible for delivering key product information while keeping your brand front and center.
What Needs to Be on a Meat or Seafood Label?
The FDA has strict food labeling requirements, and failing to meet them can lead to costly recalls or compliance issues. If your product falls under FDA jurisdiction, your label should include:
- Brand Name – Clearly displayed on the front
- Class or Type – (e.g., "Smoked Salmon," "Beef Jerky," "Ground Turkey")
- Net Weight – Total weight of the product
- Nutrition Facts – Including serving size, calories, fats, protein, and other required nutrients
- Ingredients List – In descending order by weight
- Allergen Disclosure – Required if the product contains allergens like fish, shellfish, or soy
- Safe Handling Instructions – If the product is raw or requires proper storage
- Country of Origin & Method of Production – Required for seafood (wild-caught vs. farm-raised)
Choosing the Right Labels for Meat & Seafood
Meat and seafood labels have unique challenges — cold temperatures, condensation, and frequent handling can cause standard labels to peel, fade, or fall off. Choosing the right food labels is essential to keeping your product’s information legible and intact from production to sale.
Here’s what to consider:
- Moisture Resistance – Frozen seafood and fresh meats are stored in cold, wet environments. Waterproof labels prevent ink from smudging and ensure text stays readable.
- Freezer-Safe Adhesives – A standard sticker won’t cut it. Freezer-grade adhesives keep labels securely in place at temperatures as low as -65°F.
- Durability – Snack labels for beef jerky and other packaged meats must withstand handling, transport, and fluctuating temperatures.
“If I could reach through the computer and give you a huge hug and a kiss, I would! Ha, ha, ha. Thank you for always being so amazing to work with.”
- Jones Creek Beef
“I just wanted to let you know that the labels have just been received here at Goodwill - On behalf of all of us thank you so much for the quick turnaround to help us resolve this issue - Great Job . Thanks!”
- Goodwill & SCJ Team
“I have been meaning to write for sometime now to thank you, and express our gratitude, for all the help you gave us in producing such high quality labels for our new Tahini Dressing products. I think the labels look terrific--virtual pieces of art.”
- Open Seasame Foods, LLC
“As our work on the Holiday campaign comes full circle, those of us from the Saran Team are more than appreciative of all the work you and your colleagues have done at Red Oak Label to help us with the Saran Cling Plus Holiday program this year. Without the diligent work of colleagues like you, the Holiday effort would have been unable to meet our enormous rework hurdles. Unfortunately, those of us in Racine have not been able to shake your hand personally, but we hope that in due time, such a meeting will come to pass. Best wishes to your team in the months to come, and you can count on SCJ ‘s continued business when future label needs arise.”
- SC Johnson & Son, Inc.
Get a Custom Labels Quote
Whether you need roll-form labels for deli meats, double-sided labels for snack packs, or freezer-safe labels for frozen seafood, the right label makes all the difference. Red Oak Label specializes in food and snack labels designed to withstand cold storage, moisture, and frequent handling so your product stays compliant, professional, and intact from production to sale.
With over 40 years of experience, we can help you find the best labeling solution for your meat or seafood product.
