LABEL LOGIC: NAVIGATING PRODUCT INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS

    Have you ever experienced being unwell? Illnesses are normal to encounter, especially entering months like August—popular for being one of the 'transition season month' or what Indonesians tend to call 'musim pancaroba'. To feel better, you must cure supposed illness by consuming medicines. However, to consume a specific medicine you must know of its purpose, dosage, and expired date. You wouldn't want to get poisoned for drinking drugs that does not fit your illness and is above the maximum dosage of use, perhaps even past the proper date of use.

    To know those said contents, you could look at its packaging. There reside labels, such as the brand, drug name, description, content/amount, purpose(s), direction of use and dosage, storage guide, and lastly the expired date—in total, there are 8 information that should be written on the label of your medicine. Labels does not only reside on drug's packaging, it exist on many things in our daily life, especially on consumable products.

— LABEL DEFINITION —

    What does label precisely means? According to Merriam Webster, label could be defined as: a slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description. Written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information. A descriptive or identifying word or phrase. Label could be formed in a sentence as a noun or verb, of course it must align with the text's context.

— LABEL FUNCTIONS —

A label primal task is to tell the reader of its necessary product information. It is one way of communication between producers, regulatory agencies, and consumers. The label shall provide directions or guides to use the supposed product safely and according to its purpose. Most labels will write things that consumers or users would need to be wary of while using said product, so that no misunderstandings or accidents will occur.

— LABEL STRUCTURE —

Although labels does not have a specific structure that they are obligated to and must follow. There are some generalized arrangement for labels that one could follow. Each of its elements serves a critical role in providing consumers with essential information about the product. This helps consumers make clear choices, use the product correctly, and ensure their safety and satisfaction. 

These are 8 stereotypical structure for labels;

1. Brand of Product: The brand represents the manufacturer or company responsible for the product. It is the name that consumers recognize and associate with a certain level of quality, reputation, or trustworthiness.

2. Name of Product: This is the specific name or title given to the product, which helps consumers identify what the product is intended to be used for or its main purpose.

3. Content/Amount: This indicates the quantity or amount of the product within the packaging. For food, it might be the net weight or volume. For medications, it could be the number of tablets or the volume of liquid.

4. Description: A brief overview of the product's main features or benefits. It may highlight unique selling points, intended uses, or any special qualities that set the product apart from others in the market.

5. Ingredients: A list of all the substances used in the product, especially important for consumable items like food, beverages, and medications. It helps consumers make informed choices based on dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preferences.

6. Direction of Use/Dosage: This provides clear instructions on how to properly use or consume the product. For medications, it includes the recommended dosage, frequency, and any special instructions, such as taking with food or without.

7. Directions to Store: Information on how to store the product to maintain its quality and safety. It might specify temperature requirements (example; store in a cool, dry place) or if refrigeration is necessary. Proper storage directions are crucial for maintaining the product's quality and preventing it to go down.

8. Expiration Date: Also known as the "use by" or "best before" date, this indicates the date until which the product is expected to remain safe and retain its intended quality. It is particularly important for perishable goods, medications, and cosmetics, as using products past their expiration dates may be ineffective or even harmful.

— LINGUISTIC ELEMENTS —

To get across the right and correct information for the consumers, users, and readers—the language used in labels should be understandable. Linguistic elements on labels aim to provide clear and accessible information that a wide range of individuals can understand. 

 Down here are listed several things to take note of while making a label;

1. Simplicity: Labels use straightforward language to ensure that the information is easy to comprehend. Complex jargon or technical terms are avoided when possible, and explanations are kept simple.

2. Common Vocabulary: The use of everyday words that are familiar to the general public is crucial. This ensures that the information can be easily understood by individuals with different levels of education and backgrounds.

3. Clarity: Information is presented in a concise and clear manner, eliminating unnecessary details. Sentences are kept short, and each piece of information is logically organized for easy navigation.

4. Standard Measurements: Units of measurement, such as grams, milliliters, ounces, and teaspoons, are commonly used to indicate quantities. This ensures consistency and facilitates understanding across different regions.

5. Translation: In multilingual areas or markets, labels might be translated into multiple languages to cater to diverse consumers. This helps ensure that essential information reaches individuals who speak different languages.

6. Font and Legibility: The font type, size, and style chosen for labels play a role in ensuring legibility. Labels use fonts that are easily readable, even at small sizes, and avoid decorative or complex fonts that might hinder comprehension.

7. Warnings and Important Information: Critical safety or health warnings are often highlighted, using larger font sizes, bold text, or distinct colors to ensure they stand out and catch the reader's attention.

8. Accessible Language: When necessary, labels provide additional information for individuals with visual impairments or other accessibility needs. This may include Braille, large print, or alternative formats.

In summary, the linguistic elements on labels prioritize simplicity, clarity, and the use of common language to make the information accessible and understandable to a broad audience, promoting safety, informed choices, and consumer confidence.

— LABEL EXAMPLES —

Now that we know what label is—here are two examples of label on both drugs and consumable products;

Picture 1.1 | Label on drugs.

Picture 1.2 | Label on food or drinks.

— QUESTIONS —

1. Question: What does the "best before" date on food products indicate?

   a) The date the product expires

   b) The date the product was manufactured

   c) The date the product was packaged

   d) The date the product was imported

   Answer: a) The date the product expires

2. Question: What does the "active ingredient" section on medication labels refer to?

   a) The ingredient with the strongest flavor

   b) The ingredient that provides color to the medication

   c) The primary ingredient responsible for the medication's intended effect

   d) The ingredient that has the longest shelf life

   Answer: c) The primary ingredient responsible for the medication's intended effect

3. Question: What does a "recycling symbol" on packaging typically indicate?

   a) The packaging is biodegradable

   b) The packaging can be reused

   c) The packaging is made from recycled materials

   d) The packaging is suitable for food storage

   Answer: c) The packaging is made from recycled materials

4. Question: What does the term "daily value" on nutritional labels represent?

   a) The maximum daily intake for a specific nutrient

   b) The recommended daily intake for a specific nutrient

   c) The average daily intake for a specific nutrient

   d) The minimum daily intake for a specific nutrient

   Answer: b) The recommended daily intake for a specific nutrient

5. Question: What should you do if a product label advises you to "shake well before use"?

   a) Open the packaging and smell the product

   b) Heat the product in the microwave

   c) Gently mix the contents before using

   d) Store the product in direct sunlight

   Answer: c) Gently mix the contents before using

6. Question: What does the "SPF" number on sunscreen labels indicate?

   a) The sunscreen's expiration date

   b) The sunscreen's waterproof rating

   c) The sunscreen's sun protection factor

   d) The sunscreen's fragrance level

   Answer: c) The sunscreen's sun protection factor

7. Question: What does the term "non-GMO" on food labels mean?

   a) The product is made without any synthetic additives

   b) The product contains genetically modified organisms

   c) The product meets organic standards

   d) The product does not contain genetically modified organisms

   Answer: d) The product does not contain genetically modified organisms

8. Question: What does the "net weight" on food packaging indicate?

   a) The total weight of the product and its packaging

   b) The weight of the product excluding the packaging

   c) The total weight of the packaging

   d) The weight of the product after cooking

   Answer: b) The weight of the product excluding the packaging

9. Question: What should you do if a product label states "keep refrigerated"?

   a) Store the product in a dry place

   b) Store the product in direct sunlight

   c) Store the product at room temperature

   d) Store the product in the refrigerator

   Answer: d) Store the product in the refrigerator

10. Question: What does the term "under 18" on age-restricted products indicate?

    a) The product is suitable for children under 18

    b) The product is not suitable for anyone under 18 years old

    c) The product is suitable for adults over 18

    d) The product can be used by anyone aged 18 and above

    Answer: b) The product is not suitable for anyone under 18 years old

Author's note : The questions above are generated with the assistance of A.I. as unfortunately there's no sources that could be found—in which listed the specific questions intended.

— BIBLIOGRAPHY —

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/label#:~:text=a,furnish%20identification%20or%20other%20information

https://www.kompas.com/skola/read/2020/12/24/175953069/label-obat-dalam-bahasa-inggris

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337632508_Product_Label_Translation_in_Indonesia_Mistakes_Quality_and_Solutions

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Label#:~:text=A%20label%20(as%20distinct%20from,can%20also%20be%20considered%20labelling.

https://chat.openai.com/

[Picture 1.1] — https://homecare24.id/label-obat-bahasa-inggris/

[Picture 1.2] — https://barsottijuice.com/