Proofreading Food Labels: Why Sign-Off Really Matters
Food labels might look small, but they carry a lot on their shoulders. Ingredients, allergens, nutrition information, serving sizes… every single word has a job to do. And while the design might look polished and professional, the proof you get from your designer isn’t just about checking colours and fonts.
It’s your last chance to make sure everything is 100% right.
Why mistakes slip through
When you’ve been working on a label for weeks, your brain starts filling in the gaps. You see what you expect to see instead of what’s actually there. Designers aren’t immune either. We’re busy making sure the layout is clear and the hierarchy works, not whether “almond” somehow got typed as “peanut.”
That’s why proofreading is so important. A small slip-up on a food label isn’t just embarrassing, it can lead to confusion, complaints or even bigger problems if allergens are wrong.
Proofing is teamwork
Think of proofing as a partnership. My job is to make the label look clear, balanced and on-brand. Your job is to check the nitty-gritty details. I can’t know if the recipe changed from sea salt to pink salt last minute, or if the space I’ve allowed for the best before stamp is big enough for your production team’s machinery.
When both of us bring fresh eyes, we avoid expensive reprints, compliance issues and those awful “how did we miss that?” moments.
Why I’m fussy about sign-off
Here’s my confession: I know the sign-off stage can feel overly formal. Sometimes clients think I’m being a bit pedantic when I insist on written approval before creating the final artwork. And yes, I’ll admit it, I am pedantic.
But there’s a reason. Sign-off is our safety net. It’s the moment we both agree that everything is correct and ready to go. It saves you money, saves me headaches, and makes sure the person reading your label in the supermarket gets exactly the information they need.
How to proof a food label like a pro
Take a breather first. Fresh eyes spot more.
Print it out. Labels feel different on paper.
Read it slowly, even aloud. Your brain can’t skip as easily.
Check one thing at a time. Ingredients, allergens, nutrition panel, weights, claims, dates, spaces for stamps.
Ask someone else to look. A colleague who hasn’t seen it before will often catch the obvious things.
The takeaway
Approving a food label proof isn’t just ticking a box. It’s making sure your product is represented clearly, correctly and safely.
So when a proof lands in your inbox, give it the time it deserves. I’ll make sure the design does its job, you make sure the details are spot on, and together we’ll get your label shelf-ready with confidence.