Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a label to the bottom of a product, the label having a universal product code thereon. The apparatus includes a first labeling assembly, a first scanning assembly, a second labeling assembly, a second scanning assembly and means for feeding a product past these assemblies along a feeding path. The first scanning assembly detects whether or not the first labeling assembly has applied a label to the bottom of the product and if none was applied then activates the second labeling assembly to apply a label and if the second scanning assembly determines that no label has yet been applied to the product, that product is diverted from the feeding path. Additionally, a character recognition assembly is provided to determine if the correct label has been applied to the product and to divert a mislabeled product from the feeding path.