Food packaging contains both information required by law and information that brands use to communicate with customers. When preparing Labels for Pouches, both the required information and the actual printable area need to be considered. Each pouch format may have different dimensions, seal areas, zippers, caps, tear notches, or folds. If these elements are overlooked during artwork preparation, important information may become difficult to read or end up in an unsuitable printing area.
For prepackaged foods in Thailand, Thai FDA Notification No. 450 sets out key requirements for food labelling, including the food name, food serial number, manufacturer information, net quantity, ingredients, and allergen information. Certain food categories may also be subject to additional specific regulations.
What Information Should Be Included on Food Pouch Labels?
The information required on a label is not identical for every product. It depends on the type of food, formulation, claims, and any product-specific regulations. When preparing Labels for Pouches, information with specific conditions should be checked carefully, particularly the food serial number, nutrition labelling, GDA, and warning statements.
| Label Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Food name | Must be clearly visible and legible |
| Food serial number | For foods required to display a food serial number |
| Name and address of manufacturer / packer / importer | According to the responsible party |
| Net quantity | Expressed by weight or volume as applicable |
| Key ingredients | According to the requirements for each food category |
| Allergen information | When specified allergens are present |
| Food additives / flavouring | When additives or flavouring are used |
| Best before / Expiry date | According to the applicable shelf-life requirements |
| Warning statements | When required for the product |
| Storage / preparation / consumption instructions | When necessary or required by law |
| Nutrition label | When the food falls within nutrition labelling requirements |
| GDA | For food categories specifically required to display GDA |
The Thai FDA states that prepackaged foods, including specifically controlled foods, foods with prescribed quality or standards, foods required to bear labels, and general foods, are subject to food labelling requirements. However, the information that must appear can vary depending on the product category.
Barcodes and QR Codes may be used for retail purposes, product tracking, or linking customers to additional information, but they are not generally mandatory information for every food product.
Different Pouch Formats Offer Different Amounts of Label Space
The format and size of a pouch affect the area available for label information. A stand-up pouch, for example, usually provides relatively large front and back printing areas for logos, graphics, and product information. Smaller three-side-seal pouches may offer less room for text, so the layout needs to be more compact and should account for seal areas and tear notches.
This means Labels for Pouches should be planned around the actual packaging format. Regardless of pouch size, information required by law still needs to be displayed according to the conditions applicable to that product.
How to Arrange Information on a Pouch for Easy Reading
Thai regulations do not require every piece of information to appear specifically on the front or back of the pouch. However, certain information is subject to requirements concerning position, font size, colour, and visibility. The front, back, and side areas can therefore be arranged according to the pouch format, provided the required information remains compliant and legible.
- Front of the pouch: Commonly used for the product name, trademark, flavour, or key information that helps customers identify the product.
- Back or side of the pouch: Often used for ingredients, manufacturer information, allergen information, storage instructions, and longer text.
- Legally required information: Must remain readable and comply with applicable requirements for font size, visibility, and placement.
- Seal areas, zippers, caps, and folds: Important text should be kept away from these areas, as they may obscure information or make printing difficult.
- Production date, expiry date, or lot number: Space should be reserved for variable data added later in the production process, with sufficient contrast and visibility.
Some Food Categories Require Additional Label Information
Certain foods require information beyond the basic label details, such as nutrition labelling, GDA, warning statements, preparation instructions, or other product-specific wording. Having the food name, ingredients, and manufacturer information in place does not automatically mean that the label is suitable for every food category.
The Thai FDA nutrition labelling regulations state that foods making nutrition claims, health claims, or using nutritional value in sales promotion may be subject to nutrition labelling requirements.
Notification No. 445 B.E. 2566 (2023) on nutrition labelling has subsequently been amended by Notification No. 467 B.E. 2568 (2025). GDA requirements are also affected by Notification No. 466 B.E. 2568 (2025). Both amendments took effect on 12 December 2025.
FAQ
What information should be included on food pouch labels?
It depends on the food category, but basic information may include the food name, manufacturer or importer information, net quantity, ingredients, allergen information, food additives, and a best-before or expiry date where applicable.
Other information, such as the food serial number, nutrition label, GDA, warning statements, or usage instructions, depends on whether the product falls within the relevant requirements. This is why Labels for Pouches need to be reviewed according to the individual food product rather than treated as one standard format.
Does every food product need a food serial number?
No. According to the Thai FDA, specifically controlled foods, foods with prescribed quality or standards, and foods required to bear labels are among the categories required to display a food serial number. Certain general foods may not require one, while some may apply for a food serial number under applicable conditions.
Are barcodes and QR Codes mandatory on food pouches?
No. They are not generally mandatory label information for every food product. They may be used for retail, product tracking, or linking to additional information.
The use of QR Codes in relation to nutrition information or GDA may be subject to specific requirements and should not automatically be treated as a substitute for information that must appear on the physical label.
Does label information have to appear on the front or back of the pouch?
There is no general rule requiring all types of information to be divided between the front and back in a fixed way. However, certain information may be subject to requirements concerning its position, font size, and visibility. The layout should therefore follow the regulations relevant to each item of information.
What should be checked before printing food pouches?
Before sending Labels for Pouches to print, check the food category, applicable regulations, required label information, font sizes, text placement, seal and zipper areas, and space reserved for variable information added later, such as best-before dates or lot numbers. This helps reduce artwork changes after production preparation has already begun.