Most of Chapter 13 applies to maple products obtained exclusively from the maple sap such as maple syrup, maple sugar, soft maple sugar, maple butter and maple taffy, which have been produced in establishments which are federally registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or imported. These products are destined for interprovincial, import or export trade.
Maple products are regulated by the
Information that is required by the legislation to be shown on a label, shall be shown in a manner easily legible to the consumer under normal or customary conditions [15, CPLR].
The requirements described below are applicable for maple syrup shipments of more than 100 L and maple products shipments of more than 25 kg. Some other exemptions for non commercial shipments are applicable, as defined in 13.14 of this Chapter [18, MPR].
Export
Export requirements are described in 13.12 of this Chapter.
Import and Interprovincial Trade
These sections are applicable for import and interprovincial trade of prepackaged products. Import and interprovincial labelling requirements for shipping containers and bulk containers are the same as for prepackaged products, except for the situations described in sections 13.11.1 and 13.11.2 of this Chapter [15(1), 19(2)a), MPR].
[2, 12, 19, MPR; B.01.001, B.01.006; 10b.ii, CPLA]
Product identity declaration consists in the designation of a product by its common or generic name or by its function. Every product must bear the name "Maple Syrup" and "Sirop d'érable" or the name of its contents if it is a maple product other than maple syrup. [12.(1)a), 12.(3), MPR]
"maple syrup" means the syrup obtained by the concentration of maple sap or by the dilution or solution of a maple product, other than maple sap, in potable water; (sirop d'érable) [2, MPR].
"maple product" means any product obtained exclusively by the concentration of maple sap or maple syrup, excluding any substitute; (produit de l'érable) [2, MPR].
"substitute" means any product that resembles a maple product in appearance and is prepared for the same uses as a maple product but is not obtained exclusively from maple sap; (succédané) [2, MPR].
See 13.13 for information about the labelling of maple syrup substitutes.
[B.01.006(1); 12 b, CPLR]
The common name must be shown on the principal display panel of the label or package.
[A.01.016; 14(1),15 CPLR]
The common name must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[12(1)a, MPR; B.01.012(2); 6(2) CPLR]
The common name must appear in French and English.
As explained in 13.1 of this Chapter, maple products and maple syrup covered under the MPR are made exclusively from the concentration of the maple sap or a dilution or solution of a maple product in potable water. For such single ingredient foods, the common name of the product is considered to be the list of ingredients.
[10(5), 12(1)d, 19(1) vi, MPR; 14, 15, CPLA; 22(1), 22(3), CPLR]
For maple syrup, the metric net quantity must be shown in units of volume (mL, L) as the product is a liquid. For other maple products, the metric net quantity must be shown in units of weight (g, kg). There are prescribed standard container sizes for maple syrup and maple sugar. See section 13.8 of this Chapter.
[B.01.006(1); 4(2), CPLA; 12(a), CPLR]
The net quantity declaration must be shown on the principal display panel of the label.
[14, 15, CPLR]
The numerical quantity in the declaration of net quantity shall be shown in bold face type in letters of not less than the height indicated in the following table:
| Principal Display Surface of the Packaging | Minimum Height for Numerals and Grade | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| square centimetres | square inches | millimetres | inches |
| ≤ 32 | ≤ 5 | 1.6 | 1/16 |
| 3.2 | 1/8 | ||
| 6.4 | 1/4 | ||
| 9.5 | 3/8 | ||
| 12.7 | 1/2 | ||
The other net quantity information must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]
The net quantity declaration must appear in French and English.
[4, 12(1)b, 19(1)i, Schedule 1 MPR]
Maple syrup grades must be used in the following cases:
A Canadian company manufacturing a product for which a grade standard is prescribed must be registered with the CFIA in order to have the authority to apply the grades prescribed for this product. Moreover, displaying a grade on a maple product, other than maple syrup for which the Regulations do not prescribe grade standards, is prohibited.
[5(2), 5.1, MPR]
In order to use a Canadian grade on the label, an establishment must be federally registered with the CFIA.
Products graded in an establishment registered in Canada must declare a grade beginning with the word "CANADA," e.g., CANADA No.1.
Canadian Maple Syrup - CANADA No. 1
Canadian Maple Syrup - CANADA No. 2
Canadian Maple Syrup - CANADA No. 3
Canada No. 3 Maple Syrup as described in the MPR is in violation of section 8.4.1 of the Quebec Food Regulations, that do not allow for a buddy taste in small container maple syrup.
The use of American grades on products sold in Canada is not permitted. Imported maple syrup must meet the MPR requirements, must be graded as Canadian grades, using the "Grade" prefix instead of "Canada" and the country of origin must be indicated.
Imported Maple Syrup - GRADE No. 1 / CATÉGORIE No 1
Imported Maple Syrup - GRADE No. 2 / CATÉGORIE No 2
Imported Maple Syrup - GRADE No. 3 / CATÉGORIE No 3
Combining declarations of country of origin and grade is not permitted. For example, "Product of / Produit du Canada No. 1" is not permitted.
Maple syrup imported in bulk in Canada must bear a grade beginning with the word "CANADA" once they have been graded, processed or repacked in a registered establishment.
[12(1)b, MPR]
Designation of grade must appear on the principal display panel of the label.
[12(1)b, MPR; 14, 15, CPLR]
The height of the letters used is based on the area of the principal display surface (see the above table in 13.2.2). The grade must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]
The maple syrup grade information must appear in French and English.
[12(1)c, Schedule III, MPR]
Maple syrup with a colour class found to be Extra light, Light or Medium may be graded as "Canada No. 1", providing it meets the requirements of the "Canada No. 1" grade.
Maple syrup with a colour class found to be Amber may be graded as "Canada No. 2" providing it meets the requirements of the "Canada No. 2" grade.
Maple syrup with a colour class found to be Dark may be graded as "Canada No. 3" providing it meets the requirements of the "Canada No. 3" grade.
Note that all the above colour classes could be used in combination with the "Canada No. 3" grade for maple syrup that meets only the Canada No. 3 requirements. The method for the determination of colour class of maple syrup is outlined in Schedule III, MPR.
| Colour Class | Percentage of Light Transmission |
|---|---|
| Extra Light / Extra Clair | not less than 75.0 |
| Light / Clair | less than 75.0 but not less than 60.5 |
| Medium / Médium | less than 60.5 but not less than 44.0 |
| Amber / Ambré | less than 44.0 but not less than 27.0 |
| Dark / Foncé | less than 27.0 |
[12(1)c, MPR]
The colour designation must be printed immediately after the grade on the principal display surface of the container, example: "Canada No. 1 Médium/Canada No. 1 Medium".
[12(2), 19, Schedule IV, MPR]
The height of the letters used is based on the area of the principal display surface (see the above table in 13.2.2). The colour must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[12(1)c, MPR; B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]
The maple syrup colour must appear in English and French.
The name and address must be complete enough to allow consumers to communicate in writing with the responsible party. Minimally, the address must include:
Domestic Maple Products [12, MPR]
The name and address of the responsible party must be indicated as follows:
Imported Maple Products [19, MPR]
The name and address of the packer or the importer must be indicated on the label.
[B.01.005; 13, CPLR]
The name and address of the party responsible may be shown anywhere on the label, except on the bottom of the packaging.
[14, 15, CPLR]
The name and address must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]
This information may be written in English or/and French.
[12, MPR]
Canadian-made maple products regulated by the MPR that are sold on interprovincial or export markets must be prepared in a registered establishment for which a registration number has been assigned by CFIA.
The registration number must be applied to the label when the name and address on the label is that of a first dealer. A manufacturer may or may not add its registration number to a label when its complete name and address is indicated.
The registration number can be anywhere on the label, including on the bottom of the package. It is recommended, however, that the registration number be close to the name and address of the person responsible.
[A.01.016; 15, CPLR]
The registration number must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[19, MPR]
Domestic Maple Products
Canadian Maple Products, packed in Canada [12, MPR]
It is required to mark on the label, the name and address of the sugar bush establishment, the packing establishment or the maple syrup shipper establishment, or the name and address of the first dealer and the registration number of the packing establishment (see section 13.5). Adding "Product of Canada/ Produit du Canada" is optional for the purposes of marketing in Canada and exportation.
Note for Quebec:
"Product of Canada/ Produit du Canada" is an acceptable claim for products falling under Quebec's provincial jurisdiction.
Imported Maple Products
Please note that United States is being used in the examples since the majority of imported maple products are coming from this country. The abbreviation "U.S.A." for "United States" may be used because it is recognized around the world. The full name of the country of origin must be written for all other countries.
U.S. Maple Products, packed in U.S.A. [19, MPR]
Imported maple products must carry a declaration of the country of origin, example:
According to the Canadian position set out in the policy adopted by the Competition Bureau, the analysis of a declaration concerning the country of origin involves two aspects:
These two conditions must be met in order to consider the product as being Canadian and, if desired, to be able to be declared as "Product of Canada" / "Produit du Canada".
Examples:
When an imported product undergoes any processing in Canada, the origin of the product may change, for example:
Maple syrup packed in Canada from blending U.S. with Canadian maple syrup cannot be classified and marked as « Product of Canada / Produit du Canada », but would have to be marked « Product of Canada and U.S.A. / Produit du Canada et des États-Unis ». It can be explained by the fact that the above rule 1 is not being met since the final product does not differ significantly from its incoming individual ingredients (it remains maple syrup after packing), even though rule 2 is being met (more than 51% of Canadian "value/product").
Maple syrup imported from the United States and processed into maple sugar would be classified and marked as « Product of Canada / Produit du Canada », if the above 51% rule 2 of the Competition Bureau is being met. In that case rule 1 is being met since maple sugar as the final product differs significantly from maple syrup.
If the maple syrup is only graded and packed in Canada, its declaration of the country of origin must be « Product of U.S.A. / Produit des États-Unis », because the above 51% rule 1 would not be met.
Canadian maple products which have been exported and packed in a foreign country and then re-imported to Canada must have the following statement on their label :« Product of Canada, Packed in . . . /Produit du Canada, emballé au . . . ».
[B.01.005]
This information must appear on any surface of the label, with the exception of the bottom.
[14, 15, CPLR]
The country of origin must be shown in type of at least 1.6 mm in height, based on the lower case "o".
[B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]
This information may be written in English or/and French.
Maple Syrup [10(3) , Schedule V.1, MPR]
The containers prescribed by the MPR are:
Maple Sugar [10(4), MPR]
The containers prescribed by the MPR are:
There are no standard container sizes prescribed for other maple products.
Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations will make nutrition labelling mandatory for most prepackaged products by December 12, 2005. Small companies with revenues from the sale of food of less than $1 million in Canada (for the 12 months prior to December 12, 2002) have until December 12, 2007 to comply. These regulations affect the maple products. More details on the requirements for nutrition labelling can be found in Chapters 5 and 6 of this Guide.
Nutrient content claims can be made on some products. For more information on the conditions for making these claims, refer to Chapter 7 and 8 of this Guide.
The labelling requirements for shipping containers and bulk containers are the same as for prepackaged products [15(1), 19(2)a), MPR]. Bulk containers are defined containers as exceeding 5 L for maple syrup and containers exceeding 5 kg for maple products [19 (2), MPR].
Interprovincial trade of bulk containers, in which the product is not graded or marked in compliance with the MPR, is allowed if the product is to be repacked or reprocessed in a registered establishment.
[19(2)(b), MPR]
Bulk containers that are not marked as per the labelling requirements must be accompanied by a written authorization from the CFIA, for each shipment, prior to entry into Canada. Please, contact your local CFIA office to know how to obtain such an authorization.
Although the MPR set out the marking for shipping containers in Sections 12 and 19, it is a recognized acceptable commercial practice for the number and capacity of the individual prepackaged containers (ex. 12 x 540ml), as well as the registration number, to be printed on the shipping container. Other information required by the regulations is then provided by a sample of the label used on the individual inner prepackaged product being displayed on the shipping container.
Export of products packaged in non-standard container sizes (including bulk and shipping containers) and not marked in compliance with the Canadian regulations is allowed if:
FDA&R and CPLA&R Requirements
Different sections of the FDA&R and CPLA&R are being referenced in the section "Import and Interprovincial Trade". It is important to remember that the FDA&R is applied only for products sold in Canada, as defined in section 37(1) of the FDA :
"This Act does not apply to any packaged food, drug, cosmetic or device, not manufactured for consumption in Canada and not sold for consumption in Canada, if the package is marked in distinct overprinting with the word "Export" or "Exportation" and a certificate that the package and its contents do not contravene any known requirement of the law of the country to which it is or is about to be consigned has been issued in respect of the package and its contents in prescribed form and manner" [37(1), FDA].
Labelling Requirements of the Receiving Country
If in doubt about a foreign country's requirements on imported foods, it is advisable that you enquire through the importing country's department of agriculture or perhaps through their embassy/consulate/trade commission in Canada before exporting to that country.
Pure maple products are unique and must come exclusively from the concentration of the sap of maple trees (see definitions in 13.1 of this Chapter) Maple substitutes are defined as follows in the MPR :
"substitute" means any product that resembles a maple product in appearance and is prepared for the same uses as a maple product but is not obtained exclusively from maple sap (succédané) [2, MPR]
It can be difficult for consumers to differentiate pure maple products from food products made with other types of sugar, maple flavour preparations, or a blend of maple products and other ingredients.
Section 3.1 of the MPR specifies that " no person shall market a product in import, export or interprovincial trade in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for a maple product for which a grade or standard is established under these Regulations".
Naming Table Syrup Containing Some Maple Syrup
A product made from sugar, water, maple flavouring and, for example, with less than 20 % maple syrup added may not be called "Canadian Maple Syrup". Common names for this product, to which the CFIA is not likely to object are: "Canadian Table syrup with x % Maple Syrup", ""Canadian Gourmet Syrup with x % maple syrup", Canadian Blended Syrup with x % natural maple syrup ", where x is the correct % of maple syrup actually in the product.
Note for Quebec
Those common names are not allowed in Quebec, under section 8.8.1 of the Quebec Food Regulations. Except for maple taffy, the word "maple" cannot be used in any of the names, indications, expressions, pictures or brand of any maple substitutes. However, to identify a component, the word "maple" could be listed in the ingredients list if it is not on the principal display surface.
For maple substitutes, the list of ingredients must comply with the FDR. Section 2.8 of the Guide for Food Labelling and Advertising gives information on how to declare the list of ingredients. For single ingredient foods such as pure maple syrup and maple products, the common name of the product is considered to be the list of ingredients.
The list of ingredients may appear on any surface of the label, with the exception of the bottom and must appear in both English and French. The minimum type size height must be 1.6 mm, based on the lower case "o".
In the province of Quebec and Ontario, the provincial authorities have general regulations on maple and maple products but also on the use of the word "maple" on maple substitutes. For products destined for this market, it may be preferable to contact them as to the acceptability of the use of the word "maple" or maple images on products which do not fall under the Maple Product Regulations.
You may contact them at:
QUÉBEC
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries, et de l'Alimentation (MAPAQ)
200, chemin Ste-Foy, 11e étage
Québec (Québec)
G1R 4X6
Phone: 1-800-463-5023
Website : http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/
ONTARIO
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF)
Risk Management Specialist - Foods of Plant Origin
5th Floor NW
1 Stone Rd W
Guelph , ON N1G 4Y2
Phone: 613-475-5175 Fax: 519-826-4375
Website (food):
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/index.html
Website (maple):
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/agrofore.html
[18, MPR]
This chapter does not apply to a shipment of maple syrup or maple products that
Information concerning the absence or non-addition of non-permitted ingredients or chemicals is not permitted in maple products labelling or advertising. A claim pertaining to the absence or non-addition of non-permitted ingredients or chemicals infers a false uniqueness and gives an unfair advantage to the food. Such a claim infers that other similar maple products contain a non-permitted ingredient or chemical when in fact, Canadian regulations prohibit the use of these substances. Therefore, this type of claim is considered misleading under subsection 5(1) of the FDA.
Section D.03.002 of the FDR prohibits the addition of nutrients to maple syrup or maple products sold in Canada. However the product may be produced in Canada for export trade providing the requirements of section 37 of the Food and Drugs Act are met.
For example, if a maple product contains added vitamin C, it should clearly indicate that vitamin C is added, by modifying the common name, adding a statement and/or a list of ingredients, subject to the regulations of the receiving country.
Maple Syrup (Shipments exceeding 100 L)
Interprovincial: Marking not mandatory for containers of more than 5 L to be graded or processed in a registered establishment (15, MPR)
Imports : Containers of more than 5 L not appropriately marked may be imported with prior authorization (19(2)b, MPR)
Exportation: Marking not mandatory except for the registration number, in the absence of any fraudulent declaration (16 (1), 16(2)a, MPR)
Exemptions for non-commercial shipments: see 13.14 of this Chapter (18, MPR)
| Requirements | Type height | Location on label | Languages | References (MPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product name
« Sirop d'érable/Maple syrup » means the syrup obtained by the concentration of maple sap or by the dilution or solution of a maple product, other than maple sap, in potable water (2, MPR). |
Minimum 1.6 mm | Principal display panel | English and French | 12(1)(a), 19(1)(a)(vi)(A), 19(2) |
| Net Quantity Declaration (mL or L)
Prescribed sizes: 250 ml or less (whole number), 375ml, 500 ml, 540 ml (19fl. oz.), 750 ml, 1 L, 1.5L, whole number multiples of 1L |
Numerals: in bold face type, proportional to the area of the principal display surface. Other info: minimum 1.6 mm | Principal display panel | English and French | 10(5), 12(1)(d), 19(1)(a)(vi)(B), 19(2), Schedule IV, Schedule V.1 |
| Grades
Canadian maple syrup CANADA No. 1, CANADANo. 2, CANADANo. 3 Imports: replace "CANADA No. X" above by GRADE No. X" |
Proportional to the area of the principal display surface | Principal display panel | English and French | 4(1), 12(1) b, 19(1)(a)(i), 19(2), Schedule I, Schedule IV |
| Colour
Extra clair/Extra Light, Clair/Light, Medium/Médium, Amber /Ambré, Dark / Foncé |
Proportional to the area of the principal display surface | Principal display panel under the grade name | English and French | 12(1)(c) 19(1)(a)(iii), 19(2), Schedule III, Schedule IV |
| Name and address, and registration number
Canadian product: Name and address of the registered sugar bush establishment, packing establishment or shipper establishment or Name and address of the first dealer with the registration number of the packing establishment Imported product: Name and address of the packing establishment or importer |
Minimum 1.6 m | Any panel except the bottom | English and/or French | 12(1)(e), 19(1)(a)(vi)(C), 19(2), |
| Country of origin
Imported product only "Product of .../Produit de..." For other situations, see section 13.7 of this Chapter |
Minimum 1.6 mm | Any panel except the bottom | English and French | 19(1)(a)(vi)(D), 19(2) |
Maple Syrup (Shipments exceeding 25 kg)
Exports: marking not mandatory except for the registration number, in the absence of any fraudulent declaration [16(1), 16(2), MPR]
Exemptions for non-commercial shipments: see 13.14 of this Chapter (18, MPR)
| Requirements | Type height | Location on label | Languages | References (MPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product name
Examples: Maple Sugar/Sucre d'érable, Soft Maple Sugar/Sucre d'érable mou, Maple Butter/Beurre d'érable, Maple Taffy/Tire d'érable. "Maple Product" means any product obtained exclusively by the concentration of maple sap or maple syrup (2, MPR). |
Minimum 1.6 mm | Principal display panel | English and French | 12(1)(a), 19(1)(a)(vi)(A), 19(2) |
| Net quantity declaration (g or kg)
Prescribed sizes for MAPLE SUGAR ONLY:g, 250 g, 375 g, 500 g, 750 g, 1 kg, whole number multiples of 1 kg |
Numerals: in bold face type, proportional to the area of the principal display panel Other info: Minimum 1.6 mm |
Principal display panel | English and French | 10(4), 12(3)(b), 17, 19(1)(b)(iii)(B), 19(2) |
| Name and address, and registration number
Canadian product: Name and address of the registered sugar bush establishment, packing establishment or shipper establishment Name and address of the first dealer with the registration number of the packing establishment Imported product: Name and address of the packing establishment or importer |
Minimum 1.6 mm | Any panel except the bottom | English and/or French | 12(1)(e), 19(1)(a)(i) 19(2) Schedule I Schedule IV |
| Country of origin
Imported product only: "Product of.../Produit de..." For other situations, refer to Section 13.7 of this Chapter. |
Minimum 1.6 mm | Any panel except the bottom | English and French | 19(1)(a)(vi)(D), 19(2) |