Selling Food Online: The Decisions That Matter
Selling packaged or prepared food through an online store, including labeling, allergens and state requirements.
Marcus Adeyemi
Where most projects go wrong
The usual mistakes:
- Missing allergen information
- Health claims without support
- Shipping perishables without testing
- Ignoring state licensing
What good looks like instead
- Follow FDA labeling requirements
- Declare allergens clearly online and on packs
- Check state cottage food rules
- Plan cold chain shipping
- Publish ingredient information on product pages
Why it matters
Food sales carry labeling rules and state-level requirements that online sellers often overlook.
The specs that matter
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Labeling | the FDA publishes food labeling requirements |
| Allergens | major food allergens must be declared |
| Cottage food laws | state laws govern foods made in home kitchens |
| Shipping | perishable goods need temperature-controlled logistics |
Knowing when to hand it over
Tip: Bring in help before launching a food product online.
Where this comes from
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Food labeling guide
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Food allergies
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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Where to go next
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