Start with the applicable format
For U.S. nutrition labeling of food, 21 CFR 101.9 contains the panel’s typography provisions and format-specific exceptions. Keep the exact applicable section with the production specification. A familiar sample label does not establish every requirement for a different package.
Helvetica in FDA examples is not a mandatory family
FDA’s official Examples of Different Label Formats identifies its bold example text as Helvetica Black and its nonbold text as Helvetica Regular. That directly answers the common font-identification question for those examples. The document is marked for reference only. The current U.S. regulation instead specifies a single easy-to-read type style with its applicable size, spacing and emphasis provisions; do not mistake the example family for a universal font mandate.
Keep numbers and headings distinct
The rule treats the Calories declaration and its numeric amount separately and provides exceptions for particular smaller formats. Preserve those roles in the layout rather than applying one uniform size to every line. Do not use an old sample’s dimensions as an automatic replacement for the current applicable provisions.
Keep the production record complete
Record panel format, country, type settings and the source specification with the artwork. Include the text data separately so a revision does not depend on reading values back from an image. The minimum-print-size guide discusses general reading design; it does not replace nutrition-label requirements.
Your questions, answered.
Does choosing a familiar sans-serif prove the label is compliant?
No. The applicable requirements also address size, hierarchy, spacing, emphasis and format.
Can one size be used for every nutrition-panel line?
The cited U.S. provisions specify different roles and format-dependent size requirements; use the applicable format.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.