Guidelines on Natural, Naturally raised, Feed, Antibiotic and Hormone Claims

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of method of production claims that explain how meat, poultry and fish products were raised, such as "natural, "grain-fed" or "raised without the use or antibiotics or hormones."

The Guidelines on Natural, Naturally Raised, Feed, Antibiotic and Hormone Claims are intended to provide industry and consumers with clarity and consistency around the use of claims on product labels and in advertising that explain how livestock, poultry and fish are raised.

These guidelines provide assistance to industry in complying with section 5.1 of the Food and Drugs Act and section 7 of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.

• Guidelines on Natural, Naturally Raised, Feed, Antibiotic and Hormone Claims
• Questions and Answers

A discussion paper and consultation was previously posted for comments in 2005. This guidance has been drafted in response to comments received at that time.

Public Comments Under Review

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has completed its online consultation on its Guidelines on Natural, Naturally Raised, Feed, Antibiotic and Hormone Claims. Comments will be reviewed, after which time the guidelines will be finalized.

In the interim, industry must comply with these guidelines, as well the Food and Drug Act and Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act that require food labels to be accurate, truthful, and not misleading.