FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SMARTLABEL®



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What is SmartLabel™?
SmartLabel™ is a tool that gives consumers a way to access more detailed product information about a wide range of food, beverage, household, pet care and personal care products. It is fast and easy to use, with a consistent digital format that shares accurate data directly from the manufacturer in real-time.
How does SmartLabel™ work?
Consumers will be able to find detailed information about products in several different ways. They can access SmartLabel™ by searching the web; visiting a participating company’s or brand's website; scanning a SmartLabel™ QR code on packages; or using the SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site. In the months ahead, there will also be certified apps to access SmartLabel™ information. People can access SmartLabel™ and its information whether they are in the store, at home, or at work, by using a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer.
When did SmartLabel™ start?
SmartLabel™ was announced in December, 2015, and a growing number of companies are using it on their products. Many more products with SmartLabel™ are expected to hit the shelves throughout 2016 and into 2017.
Who created SmartLabel™?
Why was SmartLabel™ created?
Consumers want an increasing amount of information about food, beverage, household, pet care and personal care products, and SmartLabel™ makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find information about products they use and consume. There just isn’t enough room on packages to fit all that information. SmartLabel™ complements the way consumers shop today and enables them to get all the information they want to know about what they are purchasing – when they want to know it.
How can I access information through SmartLabel™?
Information can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, desktop computers and mobile phones using any web browser search engine such as Google or Bing, by scanning a SmartLabel™ QR code on packages, by visiting a participating company’s or brand’s website, or by using the SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site. No special app is required. If you want to scan a SmartLabel™ QR code on the package, you can use any generic QR code reader available through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or the Windows Phone Store. Customer Service desks at most retail stores will also help shoppers get access to SmartLabel™ information.
I don't have a smart phone; how can I use SmartLabel™?
You don’t need a smartphone to use SmartLabel™. Because SmartLabel™ information is web-based, you can access SmartLabel™ information anywhere you can open a web browser (including a cell phone, computer or tablet.) With an internet connection and a web browser, you can access SmartLabel™ information by using a search engine (such as Google or Bing); by visiting a participating company’s or brand's website; or by using the SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site. Customer Service desks at most retail stores will also help shoppers get access to SmartLabel™ information.
What product information does SmartLabel™ provide?
SmartLabel™ information includes things such as nutritional information, ingredients, allergens, third-party certifications, social compliance programs, usage instructions, advisories & safe handling instructions, company/brand information, along with other pertinent information about the product.
What types of product information can I get from SmartLabel™ that isn’t on the label now?
SmartLabel™ goes beyond the label and has more detailed information such as ingredient definitions, sourcing practices, third-party certifications, social compliance and sustainability programs, usage instructions, advisories & safe handling instructions as well as company/brand information.
What kinds of products can I use SmartLabel™ for to find ingredient information?
Consumers will be able to use SmartLabel™ to find product information on a wide range of food, beverages, personal care, household and pet care products.
How many products use SmartLabel™?
SmartLabel™ is in its beginning stages. More than 30 major companies have already committed to using SmartLabel™ and the number of products providing ingredient information in the consistent SmartLabel™ format will continue to grow to more than 34,000 by the end of 2017. You can use SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site to find all the participating companies and brands, which is updated frequently.
How can I find a list of products that use SmartLabel™?
Just click on “Product Search” at the top of our web site, and you can see a list of products and participating brands.
Do I have to sign up or register to use SmartLabel™?
No. Consumers do not have to sign up or register to use SmartLabel™.
Will SmartLabel™ store any personal information?
No. SmartLabel™ product information resides on each brand’s website. There is no single industry database, nor is there any industry website for data collection. Each participating SmartLabel™ brand is required to provide their individual Privacy Policy in the footer of SmartLabel™ landing pages. It is important to know that SmartLabel™ is not a medium for marketing, promotions or offers. The SmartLabel™ Implementation Guide prohibits using SmartLabel™ as a marketing tool.
Who is responsible for SmartLabel™ information?
Each company participating in SmartLabel™ is responsible for its own product information. All information found using SmartLabel™ is bound by the same rigorous requirements as if it were printed on a package or label, and is subject to oversight by numerous federal agencies with authority over labeling, marketing and advertising of food and other consumer products, including the FDA, USDA and FTC.
My company wants to use SmartLabel on our products, how can we do that?
Companies interested in implementing SmartLabel™ should contact the SmartLabel™ Brand Office at brands@smartlabel.org.
How can I get more information about SmartLabel™?
For more information, please visit www.smartlabelcanada.org or send an email to feedback@smartlabel.org.