Canadian Food & Beverage Labelling Guide

What information is required to be on food packaging in Canada?

In Canada, food packaging must include several mandatory pieces of information to comply with regulations set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada.

The required information includes:

1. Common Name: The common name of the product must be clearly displayed. This is the name by which the food is generally known.

2. Net Quantity: The amount of product in the package must be stated in metric units (grams, kilograms, milliliters, liters).

3. List of Ingredients: All ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. This list must include any added water and must specify any allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites if present.

4. Nutrition Facts Table: This table provides information on calories and 13 core nutrients, and is presented in a standard format.

5. Name and Address of Manufacturer or Distributor: The label must include the name and address of the company responsible for the product.

6. Durable Life Date: For products with a shelf life of 90 days or less, the label must include a "best before" date and proper storage instructions.

7. Bilingual Labeling: Information must be provided in both English and French.

8. Country of Origin: Certain products, such as imported foods, require the country of origin to be displayed.

9. Specific Claims and Statements: If there are specific claims (e.g., "organic," "gluten-free"), these must meet defined standards and be verified. Health claims and nutrient content claims must also follow specific regulations.

10. Allergen Declaration: Major allergens, gluten sources, and added sulphites must be declared either in the ingredient list or in a "contains" statement.

11. Principal Display Panel: The main part of the packaging that consumers see first must contain the common name, net quantity, and in some cases, other key information.

12. Lot Code: Some products require a lot code to trace the production batch.

These requirements ensure that consumers have access to essential information about the food products they purchase, promoting transparency and safety.