FTC Seeks Comment on Fair Packaging and Labeling Act Rules

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on rules under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) as part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides.

Enacted in 1966, the FPLA requires that certain products carry labels identifying the contents, source, item quantity, and other information in order to help consumers compare products. Product categories exempt from FTC regulations under the FPLA are meat products, poultry, tobacco products, drugs under the Food and Drug Administration’s jurisdiction, alcoholic beverages, commodities subject to the Federal Seed Act, and any commodity subject to packaging or labeling requirements imposed under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or certain provisions of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act. In addition, the FTC has specifically listed numerous products that are not subject to the FPLA.

The Commission completed its last review of its FPLA rules in 1993 and modified them in 1994. The agency seeks comments on FTC regulations to ensure that they continue to achieve their intended goals without unduly burdening commerce.

The Commission vote approving the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was 4-0. Comments can be filed electronically. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received on or before May 21, 2014. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. R411015; the staff contact is Megan Gray, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3408, mgray@ftc.gov).

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.  To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.