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Are there specific guidelines for labeling homemade sausage?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Homemade sausage must be labeled with the name of the product, ingredients, and a statement indicating that it is a "processed meat product" or "home-cured sausage" to comply with FDA regulations. This information must be listed on the label in a clear and legible manner. The label should also include the date and the name and address of the producer.

Labeling Requirements

When labeling homemade sausage, it’s essential to follow the guidelines set by the US FDA. The label must include the name of the product, which should be descriptive and not misleading. For example, if you’re making a sausage with a unique blend of spices, the name could reflect that. The name should be in English and should not be too long or too short.

Ingredient Declaration

The label must also include a list of ingredients used in the sausage. This list should be in descending order of predominance, which means the ingredient that makes up the largest percentage of the product should be listed first. For example, if your sausage recipe includes 80% pork and 20% beef, the label would list “pork” first. The list of ingredients should be accurate and reflect the actual ingredients used in the sausage.

Other Required Information

In addition to the name and ingredients, the label must also include a statement indicating that the product is a “processed meat product” or “home-cured sausage.” This statement is required to inform the consumer that the product has been processed and may contain added preservatives or other ingredients. The label should also include the date of production and the name and address of the producer. It’s a good idea to include a statement indicating that the product is not intended for resale and is for personal consumption only.

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