Food & Beverage Labeling Course Frequently Asked Questions

About the Course

What is the Consumer Brands Association?

With 75 CPG members representing 2,000 brands, the Consumer Brands Association unites the industry whose products Americans depend on every day. Consumer Brands focuses our work on three core areas: championing smart regulations, increasing packaging sustainability and ensuring frictionless supply chains. In addition, our regulatory team provides a set of core services for member companies, including advising on food safety protocols, connecting members with key regulatory staff at EPA, FDA and USDA and convening taskforces and working groups on key issues.

What is the Consumer Brands Food and Beverage Labeling Course and why should I attend?

Accurate labels provide important information that empowers consumers when they are making decisions about food. And labels that don’t meet specific regulatory requirements can lead to costly recalls, consumer mistrust and intervention from federal regulatory agencies.

Consumer Brands’ Food & Beverage Labeling course is the premier opportunity for those who interact with labeling to receive in-depth instruction on regulatory labeling requirements for food and beverage products. Covering requirements for both FDA and USDA regulated products, the course incorporates examples and best practices to ensure product labeling meets meticulous standards and ensures companies provide accurate information to consumers.  

Conducted asynchronously, course attendees can view lectures on their own time and revisit topics as needed, ensuring they fully grasp the concepts. Additionally, live check–ins are scheduled weekly with the course instructor, a labeling veteran with over 20 years’ experience, for attendees to ask questions and see product examples.  

The course is a can’t-miss for those new to labeling, and those needing a refresher. Upon completion of the course requirements, participants will receive a certificate indicating they have finished the course.  

What topics are covered in the course?

The 2023 course covered content in the following areas: General Authorities, Required Labeling Elements, Nutrition Labeling, Ingredient and Nutrition Claims, Bioengineered Food Labeling, Special Labeling Provisions and Placement of Required Labeling Elements. Each area is broken down into subtopics (14 total) that explain both the regulatory requirements and examples from actual products. Stay tuned for content updates later in 2024.

What is required to earn the digital certificate?

 To earn the digital certificate, course attendees are required to complete all knowledge checks and attend at least two virtual course meet-ups during the month of the course.

What is the time commitment for the course?

The total time commitment for the course is estimated at 30 hours over a 30-day period and provides maximum flexibility for people to learn at times convenient for them. Content is hosted on a platform that allows attendees to learn on their own schedule, with each subtopic featuring a recorded lecture ranging from 10 to 45 minutes that can be paused and resumed. Attendees have 30 days to complete all required elements and earn their certificate. Virtual course meet-ups are scheduled at the beginning of the course for one hour and are offered five times throughout the course. A suggested schedule is provided to help attendees pace themselves.

How will I have access to course materials?

Course materials (videos, slides and resource materials) will be hosted on a controlled access SharePoint site. Attendees will receive access to the site on the opening day of the course and will have unlimited access until two days after the end of the course. All requirements for the course certificate must be completed by the end of the course – not when access to the course is removed.

About Registration

What is the deadline to register?

Stay tuned for 2024 sessions to be announced.

How do I know if my company is a member and qualifies for the “member” rate?

The list of Consumer Brands member companies can be found here. If your company is not a member and would be interested in joining, please contact [email protected].

I am a consultant for a Consumer Brands member company. May I receive the member rate for the course? 

The member rate applies only to part-time or full-time employees at current member companies. Consulting companies are welcome to learn more about ally membership in Consumer Brands by contacting [email protected]. 

How do I transfer my registration to someone else?

Consumer Brands is happy to transfer your registration to someone else in your company if you are unable to attend. To begin this transfer, please email [email protected] for more instructions.

Cancellation Policy

The deadline for refunds, less a $75 processing fee, is 14 calendar days prior to the course. No refunds will be issued after that time. If you are unable to attend, we encourage substitutions from within your company.