In recent weeks, two significant food recalls have underscored the critical importance of accurate labeling and packaging in consumer safety. Friendly’s Ice Cream and NuNaturals Inc. both faced recalls due to serious labeling errors that could have led to severe allergic reactions
The Bitter Sweet Consequences of Labeling and Packaging Errors
If Friendly’s Ice Cream’s recent recall taught us anything, it’s that packaging and labeling errors aren’t just embarrassing, they can be downright dangerous.
Imagine buying a Vanilla Bean ice cream only to find the tub filled with Cookies & Cream ice-cream which hides potential allergens like soy and wheat. For allergy sufferers, this isn’t a minor inconvenience, it’s a potential health crisis.
And Friendly’s isn’t alone. NuNaturals recently swapped stevia and monk fruit sweetener labels, creating confusion that could have serious health consequences.
Let’s take a closer look at these mishaps and how these mistakes could have been prevented.
Friendly’s Ice Cream Recall
Friendly’s Ice Cream initiated a recall of 324 cartons of its 48 fl. oz. Vanilla Bean ice cream after it was discovered that the product was mistakenly packaged with Cookies & Cream ice-cream.
This packaging error and mislabeling failed to disclose the presence of soy and wheat, potentially life-threatening allergens for some individuals. The affected products were distributed in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and consumers were advised to return the products for a full refund or dispose of them
NuNaturals Sweetener Recall
NuNaturals Inc. recalled two products—Organic Pure Stevia and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener—due to a labeling error. Bottles labeled as Organic Pure Stevia actually contained monk fruit powder, while bottles labeled as Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener contained stevia powder. This mislabeling could pose health risks to individuals sensitive to either sweetener. The recall was elevated to a Class II risk by the FDA, indicating that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health issues .
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Why Are Packaging and Labeling Errors Still Happening in 2025?
Unfortunately, recalls like these are more common than you think.
The truth is, many companies still rely on outdated methods to proofread their labels, packaging and critical artwork. This includes manual checks alone and the absence of technology such as automated proofreading and quality control software. Errors are inevitable, but thankfully, there are ways to prevent them from happening.
1. The Strain of Human Error
Manual proofreading processes remain the Achilles’ heel for many regulated companies. Humans are inherently prone to oversight and fatigue, particularly in high-pressure production environments where speed and volume are critical. Labeling errors often occur at bottleneck moments like final packaging or transition phases between product lines. Mistakes can fly under the radar too easily if robust quality assurance measures are not in place.
By introducing automated proofreading and quality control systems, companies can take the strain off human reviewers, catch inconsistencies instantly, and significantly reduce the likelihood of costly errors reaching the market.
2. Compliance Isn’t Optional
Regulatory agencies like the FDA have strict compliance protocols for good reason. Accurate labeling ensures transparency, promotes trust, and reduces the risk of consumer harm. However, compliance can feel like a moving target as regulations evolve and enforcement intensifies. According to recent trends, there’s been an increase in allergen-related recalls, propelling brands to re-evaluate their quality control procedures.
For organizations eager to avoid fines, bad press, and consumer safety risks, focusing solely on reactive compliance isn’t enough. A proactive, systems-based approach to labeling accuracy is integral to staying ahead.
3. The Power of Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Preventing labeling errors is not the responsibility of one group alone, it requires seamless communication and coordination between multiple departments. Production, design, packaging, and quality control teams must all be aligned to ensure that the correct information is translated onto packaging and labeling and that any changes are effectively communicated down the line.
When silos form, critical details can be lost or misunderstood, increasing the risk of costly mistakes. Introducing automated technology, establishing regular check-ins, shared documentation, and cross-team training ensures everyone shares a common understanding and is working toward the same quality and safety standards.
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Learning from Recalls: Automated Proofreading as a Line of Defense
Technology offers solutions where manual processes fall short, and nowhere is this more true than in the management of quality assurance. That’s why automated proofreading and inspection tools are increasingly necessary to safeguard labeling integrity.
How Automation Works
Automated proofreading software integrates seamlessly into production workflows, checking artwork, files, texts, and graphics against original designs. Imagine a digital safety net that scans product packaging to spot even minute discrepancies before products reach the consumer. Whether the error stems from physical misalignment or a swapped ingredient, these tools are designed to catch inconsistencies early, ideally before production even ramps up.
GlobalVision, for instance, automates proofreading for packaging and labels, ensuring everything from text, spelling, graphics, barcodes, and braille align with their intended specifications. It detects discrepancies that human teams often miss, such as mismatched allergen warnings or misprinted UPCs. Additionally, its visual inspection features compare digital proofs with final prints, identifying any deviations in graphics or text layouts.
Beyond Accuracy with Automated Proofreading
Automated tools don’t just eliminate human error; they increase operational efficiency.
By introducing precision into quality assurance processes, companies can shorten turnaround times while maintaining compliance, reducing overhead tied to costly manual inspections. Automation also creates a paper trail of quality checks, providing clear proof of compliance in the event of audits or investigations.
How to Prevent Packaging and Labeling Errors: Practical Steps for Brands
1. Audit Current Procedures
Start by identifying the most frequent sources of labeling errors in your supply chain or production process. Are the errors stemming from graphic design, printing, or labeling operations? Auditing your existing workflows is crucial for understanding where automation can yield the highest return on investment.
2. Invest in Technology
Continuing reliance on manual checks is no longer viable in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment. Automated solutions like GlobalVision bring unparalleled efficiency, speed, and accuracy to the table. Make room in your budget for these technologies, particularly for product lines that involve complex labeling formats or allergen warnings.
3. Train Your Team
No technology is entirely foolproof. Equip your team with the training they need to interpret automated inspection findings and intervene when necessary. Knowledgeable staff can work in tandem with technology to ensure that quality is never sacrificed.
4. Monitor Trends
Recalls like those involving Friendly’s and NuNaturals serve as ongoing reminders of the stakes. Whether allergen-related or ingredient mix-up incidents dominate headlines, keep a close eye on recall statistics and regulatory changes. Being proactive in monitoring industry trends can help businesses remain ahead of common pitfalls and maintain a culture of safety-first practices.
Automated Proofreading for Toward a Safer Future
Labeling errors are deceptively simple on the surface yet capable of causing far-reaching impacts. The food and beverage industry, like all highly regulated industries, must recognize that accurate packaging and labeling is more than a compliance requirement; it’s a trust-building service that keeps consumers safe.
With cases like Friendly’s Ice Cream and NuNaturals Sweeteners highlighting the dangers of even minor oversights, companies must act decisively. Integrating automated proofreading solutions into quality assurance not only mitigates risk but establishes brands as leaders in consumer safety and operational excellence.
