FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Labeling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Labeling stop-sale order?

An FDACS Labeling stop-sale order requires a Florida food establishment to immediately stop selling or using a product that violates FS 500.04; FS 500.11 Misbranded. Mislabeled food is invisible danger. When a product reaches a Florida grocery or convenience store shelf without proper labeling, customers have no way to know what they're consuming — whether it contains allergens that could trigger anaphylaxis, ingredients that interact with their medications, or substances that are illegal to sell as food. Florida law requires that every food product sold to consumers display accurate ingredient lists, allergen declarations, net weight, and manufacturer information. FDACS has ordered more labeling stop-sales than any other category — over 64,000 — because mislabeled products are pervasive and the risk to vulnerable customers is immediate. FDACS has issued 64057 such orders across 1,593 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Labeling?

When FDACS issues a Labeling stop-sale order, the affected products must immediately be removed from sale or use. The establishment cannot sell, distribute, or use the flagged products until FDACS approves corrective action. Violating a stop-sale order can result in additional penalties under Florida Statutes Chapter 500.

Which Florida businesses receive Labeling stop-sale orders?

FDACS inspects and issues stop-sale orders to grocery stores, convenience stores, food manufacturers, bakeries, mobile food vendors, and vending machine operators. Labeling stop-sale orders have been issued at 1,593 Florida facilities, with 24,975 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Labeling stop-sale orders?

FDACS Labeling stop-sale orders are issued under FS 500.04; FS 500.11 Misbranded. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) enforces Florida Statutes Chapter 500 and Florida Administrative Code 5K-4, which adopt FDA Food Code standards for food safety and labeling compliance.