Which labeling item must be present on pet food packaging?

• A. Name/address of manufacturer or distributor
• B. Expiration date
• C. Country of origin
• D. Net weight

Answer: (A)

Label accountability and traceability are the driving ideas behind mandated pet food labeling. The most essential item to appear on the packaging is the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. This information ties the product to a responsible party, so regulators can contact them and consumers can reach out with questions or concerns. It also makes recalls possible because there’s a clear point of contact for the product in question. This requirement is rooted in the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, which applies broadly to consumer packaging, including pet foods.

Other labeling details, such as expiration dates, country of origin, or net weight, have their own rules and may not be universally required across all products or jurisdictions. However, the name and address always serves as the primary way to identify who is responsible for the item.