Compliance Insights & Guides
Educational articles on FDA and FTC advertising rules for food, cosmetic, supplement, and wellness brands. General information only — not legal advice.
2026-04-11
Instagram Giveaway Legal Requirements for Brands
Instagram giveaways are sweepstakes subject to federal and state promotion laws. Brands need official rules, proper consideration analysis, and platform-compliant entry mechanics.
2026-04-10
Recyclable and Compostable Packaging Claims: FTC Rules
"Recyclable," "compostable," and "plastic-free" packaging claims must meet FTC Green Guides standards. Learn when environmental packaging claims need qualification and substantiation.
2026-04-09
Affiliate Marketing Disclosure Requirements Under the FTC
Affiliate links and commission-based recommendations are endorsements under FTC rules. Brands and affiliates must clearly disclose material connections near the recommendation.
2026-04-08
Amazon Product Listing Advertising Compliance (FDA/FTC)
Amazon product titles, bullets, A+ content, and images are advertising subject to FTC substantiation rules — and FDA claim rules for foods, supplements, and cosmetics. Learn how to keep marketplace listings compliant.
2026-04-04
Before-and-After Photos in Beauty Advertising: What's Allowed?
Before-and-after photos can be powerful marketing — and powerful evidence of deceptive advertising if results are atypical or claims are unsubstantiated. Learn FTC rules for beauty and wellness before-and-after imagery.
2026-04-03
FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance Explained for Brands
The FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance is the agency's core playbook for substantiating health, supplement, food, and cosmetic advertising claims. This guide explains what brands need to know before making benefit claims.
2026-04-02
Dietary Supplement Disclaimer Requirements (DSHEA)
Structure/function claims on dietary supplements require a mandatory FDA disclaimer and 30-day notification. Missing either step is a common FDA enforcement trigger for supplement brands.
2026-04-01
What Does "Clinically Proven" Mean Under FTC Rules?
"Clinically proven" is one of the highest-scrutiny phrases in health and beauty advertising. The FTC expects competent and reliable scientific evidence — often human clinical testing — before brands use clinical proof claims.
2026-03-27
Cosmetic vs. Drug Claims: Where the FDA Draws the Line
A product intended to cleanse or beautify is a cosmetic. A product intended to treat disease or change body structure/function may be a drug. Learn how FDA evaluates cosmetic vs. drug claims in labeling and advertising.
2026-03-26
FDA Health Claims vs. Nutrient Content Claims for Food Brands
Food brands must distinguish FDA health claims, nutrient content claims, and structure/function-style statements. Using the wrong claim type can make labeling misbranded and advertising deceptive under FTC rules.
2026-03-25
Clean Beauty Claims and the FTC Green Guides
"Clean," "non-toxic," and "natural" beauty claims attract consumers — and FTC scrutiny. Learn how the Green Guides apply to clean beauty marketing and what substantiation brands need before making environmental or ingredient claims.
2026-03-24
MoCRA Compliance Checklist for Cosmetic Brands
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) expanded FDA authority over cosmetic facility registration, product listing, safety substantiation, and adverse event reporting. This checklist helps beauty brands identify MoCRA compliance steps.
2026-03-17
Trump Executive Order on Made in USA Claims: What Brands Need to Know
A March 2026 executive order directs the FTC to prioritize enforcement against false or misleading Made in USA claims and consider marketplace verification rules. Here is what that means for brands using origin labeling in ads and packaging.
2025-06-08
Sweepstakes vs. Contest Legal Rules
Sweepstakes are prize promotions where winners are selected by chance and typically cannot require purchase for entry. Contests award prizes based on skill. Mixing the two models incorrectly can create illegal lottery risk.
2025-06-07
What Is Claim Substantiation?
Claim substantiation means having competent and reliable evidence supporting advertising claims before they run. FTC and FDA frameworks differ, but both expect marketers to avoid misleading consumers.
2025-06-06
Cosmetic Labeling Requirements Checklist
FDA cosmetic labeling rules require specific identity statements, net quantity, ingredient declarations, and responsible party information. Use this checklist to review primary display panels and information panels before products ship.
2025-06-05
FTC Endorsement Guides Explained for Brands
The FTC Endorsement Guides govern testimonials, influencer posts, expert endorsements, and affiliate marketing. Brands must disclose material connections and hold adequate substantiation for claims endorsers make.
2025-06-04
How to Respond to an FDA Warning Letter
An FDA warning letter demands a prompt, thorough response documenting corrective actions. This guide outlines typical warning letter issues, response timelines, and steps brands should consider — with the caveat that each case requires individualized legal analysis.
2025-06-03
Do Supplement Claims Need FDA Approval?
Most dietary supplements do not need FDA pre-approval before sale, but claims on labels and ads still must comply with federal law. This guide explains when notification is required, what claims trigger drug regulation, and how FTC fits in.
2025-06-02
Structure/Function Claims vs. Disease Claims
Structure/function claims describe how a nutrient affects normal body structure or function. Disease claims suggest a product treats, cures, or prevents a disease — and can trigger drug regulation. Learn the difference and why wording matters.
2025-06-01
Do Influencers Have to Disclose Paid Posts?
Yes — FTC rules require clear, conspicuous disclosure when influencers receive compensation, free products, or other material connections to a brand. This guide explains what counts as a paid post, where disclosures must appear, and common mistakes that trigger enforcement.
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