Ever wonder why that protein shake has a “Supplement Facts” panel instead of “Nutrition Facts”? Or why your favorite craft soda’s label layout looks a very specific way? It is not just design—it is federal law.
In this episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, Adam Peek sits down with Lauren Rockteacher, the founder and principal reviewer at Proof and Panel. With a background in food science and regulatory affairs, Lauren is the “label whisperer” that brands call before they hit the shelves.
We dive into the high-stakes world of regulatory compliance, exploring why a beautiful design does not always equal a legal one. Lauren breaks down the 200+ checkpoints she uses to ensure brands do not face massive fines, recalls, or the nightmare of throwing away thousands of dollars in printed packaging.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Wisconsin Life: Cheese curds, cross-country ski marathons (The Birke!), and why Wisconsin is a packaging powerhouse.
Food vs. Supplement: The subtle (and legally massive) differences in how you claim health benefits.
The AI Trap: Why you should not trust ChatGPT to write your regulatory claims and the funny mistakes it makes.
Conditional Labeling: How one “voluntary” claim can trigger a waterfall of mandatory requirements.
Saving Your Brand: Why regulatory review is an investment, not just a hurdle.
Do not let a “catchy” claim turn into a legal catastrophe. Tune in to hear how to bridge the gap between food science, graphic design, and the FDA.
Connect with us:
Adam Peek on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek
Adam Peek on TikTok: @thelabelking
Lauren Rockteacher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenrockteacher/
Proof and Panel Website: www.proofandpanel.com
