In recent years, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada have introduced significant updates to nutrition labeling regulations. These updates come off the back of increasing levels of health consciousness and consumers being more conscious of what they are consuming when it comes to food products.
It has also been implemented by companies in the food and beverage industries to foster transparency and trust for consumers in their nutrition labeling. These changes, which need to be implemented in 2024 and 2025, aim to promote healthier eating choices and ensure that food products sold in Canada meet strict nutritional standards to avoid penalties down the line.
Most Notable Updates To Date
As of July 2022, the CFIA introduced the mandatory addition of the Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition symbol on nutrition facts labels in Canada. The symbol, a design depicting a black and white magnifying glass with a list of these key nutrients to the right of it, indicates high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and sugar in food products. The symbol aims to help consumers make informed choices and mitigate health risks associated with the intake of these nutrients.
The CFIA has also revised the format and requirements for nutrition labels in 2022 to enhance clarity and accuracy. These updates include changes to serving sizes with an aim to make them more realistic and a reflection of how much individuals consume. It also includes the presentation of % Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie daily intake.
Another update made by the CFIA is in regards to the Table of Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC). The RACC is essentially a guide to indicate what the typical serving size of a food is supposed to be, according to standards set by regulatory bodies. It also helps inform what is reflected on the nutrition facts label of a package. The recent updates ensure that the rounding of numerical values on food labels such as amount, weight, and overall measurement is correct. This makes it easier for consumers to compare the nutritional content of different foods and to understand the nutritional information of a food item based on how much of it they are likely to eat.
Businesses and manufacturers have until January 2026 to update sugar and sweetener information on their labels. Health Canada has mandated that labels must differentiate between naturally occurring and “added sugars” in the Nutrition Facts table, and all sweeteners, including artificial ones, need to be listed by name in the ingredients. This is particularly useful for individuals who cannot consume excess amounts of sugar due to underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. Additionally, it assists in curbing unhealthy eating habits associated with higher consumption of sugar.
Online Resources To Guide Producers and Consumers
Aside from the CFIA and Health Canada websites, there are a number of other resources that consumers and producers alike can refer to if they need more information regarding CFIA labeling standards and regulatory updates. The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) provides resources and training on aspects of food safety and labeling requirements. The Food, Health, and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) also offers guidance on labeling regulations and compliance.
Nutrition facts labeling software companies like Food Label Maker also have helpful resources that guide consumers and producers through CFIA labeling and regulations. Food Label Maker’s Regulatory Hub guides and educates readers on the variety of regulatory standards that are applied to food packaging and nutrition facts labels.
Future Implications For Industry Players
By staying informed on the latest changes and trends to nutrition facts labels and food labeling as a whole, businesses in the industry can avoid any legal ramifications they might face if they do not update their product labeling. There are also exceptions to each regulation and cases where these updates need not be applied, so businesses and manufacturers must stay up-to-date with the most recent regulatory shifts.
As aforementioned, businesses in the food industry are also advocating for more consumer awareness and transparency when it comes to nutrition facts labels. Consumers are becoming more aware of what they are eating, which makes clearly stipulating the contents and nutrients of food products that much more important. Companies need to be proactive in continually taking more of a health-conscious stance when it comes to food choices and dietary preferences, reflected in the way they package and label their products.