What Are the Key Characteristics of Good Product Labeling?

Based on World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) on their website, good labeling must cover 5 important areas, namely;

1. Provide basic information
   
   The product label must state the brand name, the price, the standard certification or expiry date for food products and the name and address of the manufacturer.
   
   
2. Details of the content or ingredients
   
   A good product label should give information on the contents, and for food items, the ingredients used. The information provided must be such that consumers can understand the meaning or look the meaning up in a dictionary and not some term coined up by the manufacturer of his/her product advertising agent. The information must include the weight and measurements as well.
   
   
3. Instruction for use
   
   Another characteristic of a good label is one that contains clear and precise instructions on the use of the product. In addition to product labelling, more product information is needed such as on electrical equipment, computers, machinery, etc. In the case of food items, tonics and medicines, the amount and dosage must be clearly stated. The instruction should include instructions for storage and maintenance.
   
   
4. Warning and contra indications
   
   A good label should also contain warnings of possible dangers and hazards. In the case of food and medicines, the label should provide contra indivations and possible side effects.
   
   
5. Visible and easy to read
   
   Labels are for consumers. A good label is one that is visible and easy to read not just coding and signs for the use of the retailers and manufacturers. Often, like in the case of medicine, in addition to the core message in the label, detailed information should be provided by means of information sheets.
   
   

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