Section E - Available Display Surface (ADS)

Section E1 PDF (768 kb)
Section E2 PDF (995 kb)

Table of Contents | Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D | Section E |
Section F | Section G | Section H | Section I | Section J | Section K

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1. Calculating Available Display Surface (ADS)
   • General Calculation Rules: A Definition of ADS [B.01.001]
     • Most Pre-packaged Products
     • Ornamental Containers
     • Decorative Containers
     • Tags
       
   • Table E1: Definition of Available Display Surface (ADS)
2. Mathematical Calculations for the Area of Some Geometric Forms
3. Guidance on Measuring ADS
   • Areas Destroyed Upon Opening (e.g., tear strips, tamper seals)
   • Bag Closures (e.g., zip lock, cut line, heat seals)
   • Curves
   • "Eye Spot"
   • Gable Ends
   • Gathered Ends of Packaging Material
   • Labelling Information on Non-ADS Surfaces
   • Lids
   • Paper Labels on the Inside of Clear Packages
   • Ridges in Packaging Material
   • UPC Symbol
   • Very Small Areas of "Continuous Surface"
   • Windows and Transparent Packaging
     
   • Table E2: Summary – Guidance on Measuring ADS
4. Calculation Methods for Different Packaging Types
   • Bacon Packages
   • Bags – Flat with Back Central Seam (e.g., chip bag)
   • Bags – Flat Pouch with no Gussets
   • Bags – with Gathered Ends (e.g., plastic bread bag)
   • Bags – Cookie
   • Bags – Stand-up Pouch with Inset Gusset
   • Bags – Stand-up Pouch with Flat Bottom
   • Baked Goods – Fresh, Not Packaged at Retail - Rigid Plastic Containers
   • Bars – Foil Wrapped or Similar Material (e.g., energy bar)
   • Bars – Paper Label Over Foil Wrap (e.g., candy bar)
   • Bottles and Jars – Regular Cylindrical
   • Bottles and Jars – Non-Uniform, Sold by Volume
   • Bottles and Jars – Non-Uniform, Sold by Weight
   • Cans – Metal Cans Paper Labels (e.g., soup can)
   • Cans – Cardboard or Metal Cans with Plastic Lid (e.g., hot chocolate, mixed nuts)
   • Cans – Flat with Print Directly on Can (e.g., sardines, ham)
   • Cardboard Cartons – Milk or Juice
   • Catch Weight Meat Products of Similar Size and Form
   • Egg Cartons
   • Frozen Foods – Foil Container, Plastic or Cardboard Lid (e.g., frozen cake)
   • Frozen Foods – Foil Container, Plastic or Cardboard Lid and Overwrap
   • Multi-Pack with Dropped Units/Plastic Cups (e.g., multi-pack of pudding)
   • Multi-Pack – Transparent Cellophane Wrapper over Fully Labelled Individual Units
   • Pillow Package
   • Tetra Pak
   • Tubs – Printed Plastic (e.g., yogurt, margarine)
   • Tubs – Plastic with Paper Labels (e.g., deli tubs with stickers)
   • Tubs – Cardboard (e.g., ice cream)
   • Wrappers, Tube Shapes
   • Table E3: Summary – Calculating ADS for Different Packaging Types

Note: The three tables in this section, which summarize the information about calculating ADS, are repeated in the special pull-out section of this toolkit, Section K – Tools and Templates.

• Table E1: Definition of Available Display Surface (ADS)
• Table E2: Summary – Guidance on Measuring ADS
• Table E3: Summary – Calculating ADS for Different Packaging Types

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1. Calculating the Available Display Surface

Available Display Surface is the surface of a food package that is available to support labelling information. The ADS is usually determined by numerical calculation.

The calculation of the Available Display Surface is a pivotal concept in the application of the nutrition labelling requirements, because the choice of a NFT format and its size are based, in part, on the ADS of the package.

In general, large packages must display the most desirable NFT formats.

• The most "desirable" formats are the most legible. For example, the Standard Format is considered more readable, and hence more desirable, than the Bilingual Horizontal Format and must always be given first consideration.
• The largest versions are more desirable than smaller versions of a given format.

Smaller packages may display smaller versions of a specific NFT. See the preceding chapter, Section D, for a Hierarchy of Formats.

General Calculation Rules: A Definition of ADS [B.01.001]

Most Pre-packaged Products

The ADS is defined as the total surface of a package and includes:

• the bottom of the package as long as the contents of the product do not leak or are not damaged if the product is turned over.

The ADS excludes:

• any area of the package where a label cannot be physically applied;
• any area where information cannot be legibly set out or easily viewed by the purchaser under customary conditions of purchase;
• any part of a label that is destroyed when the container is opened, except if the product is intended to be eaten at a single eating occasion (single serving containers); and
• the area occupied by the Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol.

Ornamental Containers

The ADS is the total area of the bottom of an ornamental container or the total area of both sides of the tag attached to the ornamental container, whichever is greater. The area occupied by the Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol is excluded from the ADS.

Definition: An ornamental container is a container that, except for the bottom, does not contain any promotional or advertising material thereon (other than a trade mark or common name) and that, because of any design appearing on its surface or because of its shape or texture, appears to be a decorative ornament and is sold as a decorative ornament in addition to being sold as the container of a product [B.01.001].

The container on the left is an ornamental container. The container on the right is no longer considered an ornamental container as it has a label affixed to the top of the container.

Decorative Containers:

Ornamental Containers Versus Decorative Containers

A distinction must be made between an ornamental container and a decorative container. Ornamental containers have the potential for an extended life, as they are reusable. Decorative containers, although aesthetically pleasing, are usually not reusable because they are not sturdy enough and often get torn or damaged upon opening. Ornamental containers must be substantial enough to be sold on their own merit (i.e., without the food). Ornamental containers are usually made of metal (e.g., cookie tins), plastic or glass (e.g., candy-filled figurines). On the other hand, fabric-covered or embossed cardboard boxes for chocolates (e.g., for Valentine's Day) are normally considered decorative rather than ornamental. There are no special exemptions for measuring the ADS of decorative containers.

This decorative valentine box is not an ornamental container and is not subject to any special considerations with respect to ADS.

Tags

Tags may be used on ornamental containers, on packages to which a label cannot be affixed and on smaller packages where the use of alternate methods of presentation is permitted. (See the preceding chapter for decision trees for Standard/Horizontal/Linear Formats, for Simplified Formats, and for the Aggregate Format – Different Kinds of Food.)

The definition of ADS, as set out in Section B.01.001, states that the total area of both sides of a tag attached to a package to which a label cannot be physically applied is considered ADS. The ADS does not include the area occupied by the Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol.

The Nutrition Facts table may appear on either side of a tag and any version (size) of a suitable format may be used [B.01.454 - B.01.459 and B.01.461 - B.01.464].

Foods which might be labelled with a tag include oils in ornamental bottles, waxed-encased small cheeses in a mesh bag and foil-wrapped milk chocolate Easter eggs in a mesh bags.

The small package exemption (ADS < 100 cm² ) does not apply to tags.

Table E1: Definition of Available Display Surface (ADS) [B.01.001]

Package Type	Included in ADS	Excluded from ADS
All Packages	total area of package include bottom if product will not be damaged or leak if turned upside down	bottom, if product leaks or is damaged if upside down area destroyed when opened (except for single serve containers) area where a label cannot be physically applied area where information cannot be legibly set out or easily viewed UPC
Ornamental Containers	total area of bottom or area of tag (both sides), whichever is bigger	top sides UPC
Tags* for ornamental containers for packages to which a label cannot be applied for small packages to which alternate methods of presentation apply**	both sides of tag (However, any version (size) of an appropriate format may be used.)	UPC

* Note: If tags are used on other pre-packaged products (i.e., not ornamental containers, packages that cannot affix a label, or small packages), then this rule does not apply. See the Table E3: Summary of ADS for Different Packaging Types.

** Note: Use of alternate methods of presentation applies to products using the standard/horizontal/linear and simplified format families, and in some instances, on products displaying an aggregate format – different kinds of food. (See Decision Trees in Sections D and G.) .

2. Mathematical Calculations for the Area of Some Geometric Forms

Image	Mathematical calculations
	Rectangle: Area = length(L) x width(W)
	Parallelogram: Area = base (B) x height (H)
	Triangle:
	Trapezoid:
	Circle: Area = r²
	Cylinder (can): Area of top and bottom = 2(r²) Area of sides = 2rh or height of can x circumference Note: Only the sides of a regular tin can are considered ADS. There are exceptions for cans with plastic lids or cans that are labelled on the top and/or bottom of can.
	Sphere: Area = 4 r²
	Cone: Total Area = Area of cone + Area of base Area of cone = rs Area of base = r²
	Pyramid with a square base (4 sides):  Total Area = Area of 4 triangles + Area of base Area of base = b²
	Box: Total Area = (front and back) + (top and bottom) + (2 sides) = 2(Ll + Lh + hl)
	Prism Total Area = ends (2 triangles) + sides (2 rectangles) + base Area of sides (2 rectangles) = Ll x 2 Area of base (1 rectangle) = Lb
	Sides of Conical Frustum (e.g. sides of plastic yogurt tub): Area of sides = [R1+R2] S R1 = large radius R2 = small radius S=slant

3. Guidance on Measuring ADS

Areas Destroyed Upon Opening – e.g., tear strips, tamper seals

Areas of packaging that are destroyed upon opening (e.g., tear strips, tamper seals) are not considered ADS, unless the product is a single-serving package (i.e., the entire contents can be reasonably expected to be eaten by one person during a single eating occasion.)

Areas destroyed upon opening are not considered ADS.

Bag Closures – zip lock, cut line, heat seals

The ADS does not include zip locks, cut lines, or heat seals and the area past these closures (area often cut off when opening the package.)

Curves

Acute curves on rigid packaging are not considered ADS. However, gently sloping curves that may support a label or printed information (if printing appears directly on the package), are considered ADS.

The acute curves on this package are not considered ADS.

The gentle curves on this package are included in the ADS.

"Eye Spot"

Certain packaging processes use an electronic eye to cut packaging material to the correct length. An "eye spot", usually a dark oblong spot, is printed onto the continuous film of labelling material to trigger the cutting process. On the final package the eye spot is usually present on the seams. The area within the width of the eye spot, the whole length of the package, is not considered ADS.

Gable Ends

Gabled ends of packaging, such as those found on milk cartons and on cookie bags, are not considered ADS unless label information (mandatory or non-mandatory) appears in these areas. However, public service information (e.g., Kids Help Phone), recycle information, opening instructions, or coding would not cause this area to be considered ADS.

Gables are generally not considered ADS. See above for exceptions.

Gathered Ends of Packaging Material

When packaging material is gathered, making any written material impossible to read, this area is not considered ADS. Examples include the end of a bread bag, gathered ends of a tube of cookie dough or gathered ends of a prepackaged tube of ground beef.

However, if this area is covered by a flat sticker, then the whole area is considered ADS. Note that ADS includes the whole area, even if the sticker is small. Examples include the end of a role of biscuits or cookies and the back of a round of cheese packaged in a paper overwrap.

Note: The NFT should not be placed in gathered areas where printing is not legible at time of sale.

Gathered packaging material is not considered ADS.

The presence of a sticker over the gathered packaging renders the whole area ADS.

Labelling Information on Non-ADS Surfaces

For some packaging types, certain surfaces of the package are not considered ADS. This may include areas of the package where a label cannot be physically applied or where information cannot be legibly set out or viewed or the bottom of a package if the product would be damaged or leak if turned upside down to view the NFT. However, if labelling information exists on these surfaces (other than the UPC code or coding information, public service announcements (e.g., Kids Phone), recycle instructions, or opening instructions), then these areas become ADS. For example, the top and bottom of metal cans are not considered ADS. However, if a sticker is applied to the top of a metal can, then the top of the can is considered ADS.

The top of the can is considered ADS because this area has been labelled.

Since the NFT and other labelling information are placed on the bottom of this baked product, the entire bottom of the product becomes ADS.

Lids

Lids on jars and tubs are generally considered ADS. However, raised areas and ridges that interfere with labelling are excluded from ADS. Sides less than 10 mm wide, sides with spirals or grooves, and very small lids are also excluded.

ADS includes the entire lid (top and sides).

ADS does not include:

• raised ridges unless there is labelling in the ridged areas
• sides <10 mm if no print information is in this area

Note: In some cases, very small caps of bottles are considered very small areas of continuous surface and, consequently, not ADS.

ADS does not include the sides of lids with spirals or grooves.

Paper Labels on the Inside of Clear Packages

When paper labels are on the inside of a clear packaging material, then the ADS of the panels that are occupied by the paper label includes the whole panel. There is no consideration for minor ridges and uneven surfacing of these panels. Other panels that do not have inner paper labels are calculated as though they did have an inner paper label.

In the case of this egg carton, the entire top and sides of the lid are considered ADS. However, since it would be almost impossible to place an inner paper label in the bottom cups, the bottom half of the egg carton is not considered ADS.

Ridges in Packaging Material

In certain cases, ridges in the packaging may make it impossible to affix a label or to print on the ridged sections. In these cases, the ridges are not considered ADS.

However, in other cases, closely repeated ridging will support a paper label and in some processes, the printing takes place before the ridges are formed. In these cases, these areas are considered ADS.

Ridged area is considered ADS, as it is possible to print on this area.

The bottom of this can is not considered ADS, as the multiple ridges, key, and raised circle, make it impossible to label.

UPC Symbol

The UPC (Universal Product Code or bar code) is not considered ADS and must not be included in the calculations for ADS [B.01.001]. However, if the UPC is present on the label more than once, the area occupied by the additional UPCs would be included in the ADS calculation.

Since the UPC code is a machine-readable bar code, the definition between lines must be significant enough for the machine to register. As a result, the size of the UPC code may vary depending on the precision of the printing process. Some printing processes and packaging materials cause ink to spread. Consequently, on some packaging the UPC code may be 200 % larger, or more, than the standard size.

When the UPC is enclosed in a box, the entire box is excluded from ADS. When the UPC is not enclosed in a box, only the area covered by the actual UPC is deducted from the ADS.

The entire box enclosing the UPC is excluded from ADS.

When there is no box surrounding the UPC, only the area covered by the UPC is excluded from ADS. The area of the UPC includes the outer characters.

Very Small Areas of "Continuous Surface"

Very small "continuous surfaces" where it is impossible and impractical to apply label information may be exempted from the calculation of ADS, e.g., folded triangles on package corners, very small caps or lids.

On this milk carton, both the cap and the area for the "Best Before" date are considered very small continuous surfaces and therefore, not included in the ADS calculation.

The small folded corners on these containers are "very small areas of continuous space" and are not considered ADS.

Windows and Transparent Packaging

Flexible or rigid transparent packaging materials, such as those found on bacon packages or covering widows in pie and candy boxes, are considered ADS. However, if the window is open with no inner covering, then the empty window is not considered ADS.

Covered window – considered ADS

Open Window – not included in ADS

Table E2: Summary - Guidance on Measuring ADS

Package Area	Include in ADS	Exclude from ADS
Areas Destroyed upon Opening - e.g., tamper seals, tear strips		area destroyed
Bag Closures - Zip Lock, Cut Line, Heat Seal		bag closure area past bag closure (area usually cut off when opening)
Curves	gentle curves that may support a label	sharp acute curves
Eye Spot		eye spot and area whole length of package, if not already labelled
Gable Ends		whole area unless already printed
Gathered ends of bags		These areas are excluded from ADS as the information is not legible. The NFT should not be in this area.
Gathered Ends Covered by a Sticker - e.g., roll of cookies	The total panel where the sticker appears, even if the sticker covers only a small portion of the gathered material.
Label info. on non ADS areas (e.g. top of tin can)	whole area labelled
Lids - jars, tubs	top sides	very small lids with no label information sides with spirals or groves that inhibit legibility. sides <10 mm wide. top – raised ridges – unless already printed
Ridges	ridges that don't interfere with labelling tightly repetitive ridging that may support a label	ridges that will not support a label or interfere with legibility when label is printed directly on package
UPC code		entire box containing UPC code in the case of non-boxed UPC, only area covered by the UPC
Very small areas of continuous surface		whole area if not practical to be labelled, e.g. small caps, folded corners
Windows	plastic covered window	open window

4. Calculation Methods for Different Packaging Types

Bacon Packages

ADS = Front + Back

ADS does not include:

• an area the width of one bacon slice the length of the package
• glued seams
• UPC

On this package of bacon, a transparent area the width of one bacon slice is provided on the back of the package, allowing the consumer to evaluate the lean/fat composition of the bacon. This area is not included in ADS.

In this package, the bacon is placed in such a way that the consumer may evaluate the fat/lean composition of the bacon from the front window of the package. Nevertheless, an exemption from ADS is still granted for an area equivalent to the width of one bacon slice the whole length of the package.

Bags – Flat, Back Central Seam

e.g., chip bag

ADS = Front + Back

ADS does not include:

• glued ends, back central seam
• "eye spot", if present, and the area the whole length of the package equal to the eye spot
• UPC

Bag – Flat pouch without gussets

ADS = Front + Back

ADS does not include:

• glued seams
• closure (zip lock, cut line or heat seal) and the area past the closure (the area usually destroyed or cut away when the package is opened)
• UPC

 

 

Note: For gathered bags other than bread bags, the suitability of the end of the bag as ADS must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Bag – Cookie

ADS = Front + Back + Sides + Bottom

ADS does not include:

• side gables
• bottom seam and smaller bottom panel
• UPC

 

 

 

 

Bags – Stand-Up Pouch with Inset Gusset

ADS = Front + Back + Bottom*

ADS does not include:

• glued seams
• *bottom of bag if the inset gusset is small or deep. Note that a very large flat inset gusset would be included in ADS
• UPC

Note: The best way to evaluate whether the bottom of a bag with an inset gusset should be considered ADS, is to evaluate the product as sold, i.e., a full bag. The bottoms of some large bags, flatten out to large flat areas of ADS that may support easy to read information, when the bag has been filled. The bottoms of some small bags, on the other hand, may never be considered ADS because the area is small or because the bag retains the inset pleated shape even when the package is full.

The bottom of this large stand-up pouch would be considered ADS as it presents a large flat surface when the bag has been filled.

The bottom of this small stand-up pouch would not be considered ADS as the area is very small and the gusset retains its inset pleated shape when the package is full.

Bags – Stand-Up Pouch with Flat Bottom

ADS = Front + Back + Bottom

ADS does not include:

• glued seams
• UPC

Baked Goods – Fresh, Not Packaged at Retail: Rigid Plastic Containers, e.g., "Clam Shells"

ADS = Top + Sides (4) + Bottom, if product is not damaged when turned over

ADS does not include:

• bottom of container, if product is damaged when turned over
• security seals: if the product is sealed for tamper protection, exclude the area of the seal – a strip 10 mm wide x the length of the seal
• edging (extended areas) where the top and bottom join and seal
• UPC – unless the UPC is on the bottom of package and the bottom has been excluded from the ADS calculation

Top:

ADS includes the area that can support a label, e.g., raised panels.

Sides:

Note: The tightly repeated ridging on the sides of plastic containers will usually support a paper label.

For information on baked goods prepared and/or packaged at retail, please see Section D – Has the Correct Format Been Used? and the Retail Tables in Section K – Tools and Templates.

Bars – Foil Wrapped or Wrapped in Similar Material

e.g., energy bars, granola bars, etc.

ADS = Entire Package

ADS does not include:

• end seams
• central seam/flap if there is no printed information in this area (often the eye spot is present here.)*
• UPC

These bars are usually wrapped in foil or similar packaging material, with end and central seams.

*Manufacturers often use the flap to provide labelling information. When labelling information is present, this area is considered part of the ADS.

In some cases, one side of the central seam/flap contains printed information while the other side has the eye spot. The seam side with printed information is considered ADS, while the other side is not.

Bars – Paper label over foil wrap

e.g., Candy bars

ADS = Entire paper label

ADS does not include:

• UPC

Bottles and Jars – Regular Cylindrical Glass and Plastic

For the purposes of determining ADS, a uniform shaped jar or bottle (e.g., stubby form, not long necked) is a jar or bottle that is straight from the base to the beginning of the neck. The ADS of these jars and bottles consists of the sides of the jars or bottles and their lids. The bottoms of jars are not considered ADS.

ADS = Sides + Lid

ADS does not include:

• jar bottoms
• UPC
• some lids or lid areas

Sides:

• ADS includes the entire side, measured from the heel of the jar to the curve of the neck.

Lid:

• ADS includes the entire lid (top and sides).
• ADS does not include:
  • raised ridges unless there is labelling in the ridged areas
  • sides <10 mm if no print information is in this area
  • sides of lids with spirals or grooves.

Note: In some cases, very small caps of bottles are considered very small areas of continuous surface and, consequently, not ADS.

Bottles and Jars – Non-Uniform, Sold by Volume
Glass and Plastic

There is a proliferation of bottle and jar shapes and sizes in the market place. Measurement of the ADS on irregular shaped bottles and jars is difficult, leading to inconsistent results. Consequently, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) developed a fair and consistent alternative method of estimating the ADS of these containers. This option uses the declared net quantity of products sold by volume, and the actual volume of products sold by weight, to estimate an approximate ADS for non-uniform bottles and jars.

The ADS by volume method of calculating ADS is an alternative option to measuring the ADS of non-uniform bottles and jars. The CFIA plans to use this method of estimating the ADS on non-uniform bottles and jars in carrying out its inspection activities. When determining the ADS of irregular shaped containers, industry has the choice of either using this alternative ADS by volume method or measuring the container as prescribed in the regulations. If the second option is chosen, all packaging technology available must be taken into consideration when measuring the area of a container where a label may be physically applied, such as shrink wrapping and plastic and paper labels that may be affixed to irregular shapes, not just the current packaging technology in use by a company.

The following rule applies to all non-uniform glass and plastic bottles and all non-uniform shaped jars sold by volume. (Please see the description of uniform jars in the previous section.)

ADS = Calculation Based on the Declared Volume

To calculate the ADS of a non-uniform bottle or jar, use the following formula. Note that, no further deductions are applied to the ADS calculation, e.g., deduction of the UPC code or application of tolerances.

Volume of Container	ADS
149 ml	< 100 cm² (small package exemption)
150 ml - 250 ml	100 cm² (requires NFT)
> 250 ml

Examples:

• 125 ml bottle: Since the bottle's ADS is considered to be < 100 cm², the product is subject to a "small package" exemption from nutrition labelling.
  
• 225 ml bottle: The bottle's ADS is considered to be 100 cm². It will require a Nutrition Facts label, and may choose one of the NFTs in the lowest level of options in the Hierarchy of Formats, i.e., the smaller NFTs. See Section D.
• 500 ml jar: The jar's ADS is 200 cm², as determined mathematically:

Bottles and Jars – Non-Uniform, Sold by Weight Glass and Plastic

This rule applies to all non-uniform glass and plastic bottles and all non-uniform shaped jars sold by weight. (See the description of uniform jars in the previous sections.)

ADS = Calculation Based on the Measured Volume of the Container

100 g artificial sweetener and 450 g coffee whitener.

How to determine the ADS of a non uniform bottle or jar sold by weight:

1. Starting with an empty container, fill the container with water to 1 cm below the rim.
2. Empty water into a graduated container (e.g., measuring cup or graduated cylinder), and measure in millilitres.
3. Apply the formula for "Bottles and Jars – Non-Uniform, Sold by Volume". (See preceding section.)

Note: No further deductions are applied to the ADS calculation, e.g., deduction of the UPC code.

ADS = Sides

ADS does not include:

• UPC
• metal tops and bottoms of cans (see exceptions below)

ADS includes the area of the sides of a can but does not include the top or bottom of the can unless the top or bottom has been labelled with information other than coding or the UPC symbol. In these cases, the area with labelling information is also included in the calculation of ADS.

Cans – Cardboard or Metal Cans with Plastic Lid

e.g. hot chocolate, mixed nuts, coffee can

ADS = Sides + Plastic Lid

ADS does not include:

• plastic lids
  • the raised lip at the edge of the lid
  • the sides of the lid, if < 10 mm wide
• bottom of can
• UPC

Cans – Flat with Print Directly on Can

e.g., sardines, ham

ADS = top + bottom + sides (on larger cans)

Note: When a flat can is further packaged in a box or overwrap, then the outer packaging is the label. The inner can is no longer considered the label or the ADS.

Cardboard Cartons – Milk or Juice:

ADS = Sides + Sloped Roof Panels

 

Catch Weight Meat Products of Similar Size and Form

e.g., pork hocks

These products are individually shrink wrapped. In some cases the label is printed directly on the packaging material, while in other cases paper labels are applied.   These products are similar but not uniform in size and shape. This policy does not apply to products that are highly variable in size such as frozen turkeys

ADS = Front* + Back*

ADS does not include:

• sides
• UPC

* The ADS of the front panel is equal to the area of the largest rectangle that will fit on the front panel of 80% of the products produced. The same principle applies to the back panel.

Egg Cartons

For egg cartons (flat top cartons made of pulp, foam or clear plastic), the Nutrition Facts table may be printed on the inside of the lid. When the inside of the lid contains any written material, mandatory or promotional, the inside of the lid is considered part of the Available Display Surface calculation.

ADS = Top + Sides of Top + Inside of Top (when the area contains written information)

Frozen Goods – Foil Container, Plastic or Cardboard Lid

e.g., frozen cake

ADS = Top

 

Frozen Goods – Foil Container, Plastic or Cardboard Lid and Overwrap

e.g., cake, lasagna

ADS = Overwrap or Lid, whichever is larger

ADS does not include:

• overwrap or lid – whichever is smaller
• foil container.
• UPC. However, if the UPC is located on a non-ADS surface (i.e., foil container) the area of the UPC is not subtracted in the ADS calculation.

Multi-pack with Dropped Units (plastic cups)

e.g., multi-pack of pudding, multi-pack of yogurt with common lid

ADS = Common Packaging and Visual Area of Dropped Units

ADS does not include:

• bottom of dropped units
• areas not visible at time of sale
• UPC

Yogurt Multi-pack

Common Top:
The entire top of the yogurt multi-pack is considered ADS. However, it is not considered a single continuous surface, as the top is broken into smaller units as it is consumed. Each individual lid is considered a continuous surface.

Dropped Units:

Bottom

• ADS does not include the bottom of dropped units.

Sides

• ADS includes only the areas visible at the time of purchase (sides facing out).
• ADS does not include areas that are not visible (e.g., areas facing inwards).

Boxed Multi-pack

Common Top – Box:
ADS includes both the top and sides of the box, but not the ends if the ends are absent (i.e., if the box is open ended).

Dropped Units:

• ADS includes only the areas visible at the time of purchase (sides facing out).
• ADS does not include areas that are not visible (e.g., areas facing inwards).
• ADS does not include the bottom of the dropped units.

Multi-Pack – Transparent cellophane wrapper over fully labelled individual units

Fully pre-packaged units are sometimes sold in a variety of formats. For example, single serving units of juice in Tetra Pak containers may be sold individually and the same product may also be sold in multi-packs of 3, 5, or 10 units, etc.

When product is sold both individually and in multi-packs, special consideration is given to the labelling of the multi-packs with transparent outer packaging, as each individual unit is already required to be fully labelled with a NFT and is visible through the outer packaging material. Two options exist:

The NFT may appear on the outer cellophane wrapper. The choice of format and version (size) of format is based on the ADS of the total outer package. (See Decision Trees in Section D, Has the Correct Format Been Used?)

The NFT may appear on the individual units providing that all mandatory information is visible at the time of purchase (including: common name, ingredients, Nutrition Facts table, dealer identification, etc.). The choice of format and version (size) of format may be based on the ADS of the individual unit.

Pillow Package

ADS = Top + Bottom + Sides > 4 cm wide

ADS does not include:

• Sealed seams
• sides < 4 cm wide
• UPC

The sides of the pillow package on the left would be considered ADS as they are greater than 4 cm, while the sides of the pillow package on the right would not be included in the ADS calculation.

Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak packaging is available in a number of sizes (volumes) and shapes including rectangular box shapes and octagonal box shapes. In general, the following instructions for calculating the ADS of Tetra Paks apply:

ADS = Top + Front + Back + Sides

ADS does not include:

• bottom
• sides - folded corners (folded from the top panel)
• top - foil or plastic covered spout or straw insertion area
• top and back seams, unless printed information exists in these areas
• cellophane covering for straw
• UPC

Tubs – Printed Plastic

e.g., yogurt, margarine

ADS = Lid + Sides

ADS does not include:

• bottom
• sides –curves at the base, ridges at the top, area covered by the lip of the lid
• lids –raised lip and ridges
• UPC

Sides:
When calculating the ADS of the sides of a plastic tub, do not include the bottom curve (if any), the ridges at the top of the tub and the area covered by the lip of the lid.

To calculate the area of the sides of a tub, use the mathematical formula for the area of a conical frustum (see sub-section 2).

Bottom:
ADS does not include the bottom of the tub.

Tubs – Plastic with Paper Label

e.g., deli tubs with stickers.

ADS = Lid + Sides + Bottom

ADS does not include:

• lid –raised lip or ridges
• sides –area covered by the lip of the lid
• bottom –ridges
• UPC

Tubs – Cardboard

e.g., ice cream

ADS = Top + Sides

ADS does not include:

• bottom
• sides - area covered by the rim of the lid
• plastic lid rims, if present*
• UPC

Lid:
ADS does not include the wide plastic rim on the lid of this ice cream container.* However, if the rim is constructed of cardboard, it is considered ADS.

Sides:
To calculate the area of the sides of a round tub, use the mathematical formula for the area of a conical frustum (see sub-section 2). Include only the area visible at time of purchase (i.e., do not include area covered by the rim of the lid.)

*Note: It is impossible to print on some of the plastics used in the construction of these lid rims. As it is difficult to determine the type of plastic used, plastic rims are not considered ADS unless printed material is present in this area.

Wrappers, Tube Shapes

ADS = All sides

ADS does not include:

• central seam
• gathered ends of package*
• UPC

* If gathered ends are covered with a flat sticker, the ends are considered ADS.

Overview of Different Packaging Types

Table E3: Summary  - Calculating ADS for Different Packaging Types

Package Type	Included in ADS	Excluded from ADS Surfaces	Excluded from ADS UPC
Bacon Packages	front back	area width of 1 bacon strip the whole length of package	X
Bags – Flat, back central seam (e.g., chip bag)	front back	top, bottom and back central seams the length of bag covered by eye mark	X
Bags – Bread	all sides + 1 end	gathered end, (from crust to end of bag)	X
Bags – Cookie	front & back main panels – top wrap area to bottom sides bottom – largest panel only	sides – gabled areas at top bottom – smaller panel	X
Bags – Flat pouch without gussets	front back	glued areas see Table E2: Bag Closures	X
Bags – Stand-up with inset gusset	front back bottom, if inset gusset can support easily readable information.	bottom, if inset gusset is deep and will not support easily readable information front & back – glued areas see Table E2: Bag Closures	X
Bags – Stand-up pouch with flat bottom	front back bottom	glued seams see Table E2: Bag Closures	X
Baked Goods – Fresh, Not baked & packaged at retail (e.g., rigid plastic clear "Clam Shell" containers)	top sides bottom (providing turning the product over will not damage the product)	bottom – if turning the product upside down will result in damage to the product. closure tamper seal ridging, raised areas, etc. that will not support a label	X (if on included area)
Bars – Foil wrapped (e.g., energy bar)	entire wrapper	end seams central flap (both sides) unless already printed	X
Bars – Paper label over foil wrap (e.g., chocolate bar)	entire paper label		X
Bottles/ Jars – Regular cylindrical, glass & plastic (e.g., stubby bottles, not bottles with long necks)	sides (full circumference) lid (unless exceptions apply)	sides – curves at top and bottom some lids: See Table E2: Lids	X
Bottles/ Jars – Irregular, sold by volume; glass or plastic	based on declared net quantity, there are no further deductions, e.g. UPC - < 149 ml = less than 100 cm² = small package exemption - 150 ml to 250 ml = 100 cm²	based on declared net quantity, there are no further deductions, e.g. UPC - < 149 ml = less than 100 cm² = small package exemption - 150 ml to 250 ml = 100 cm² -
Bottles/ Jars – Irregular, sold by weight; glass or plastic	empty container; measure volume and apply rules for irregular bottles/jars sold by volume there are no further deductions, e.g. UPC	empty container; measure volume and apply rules for irregular bottles/jars sold by volume there are no further deductions, e.g. UPC
Cans – Metal, paper label (round and oblong cans)	sides (full circumference)	top (unless already labelled) bottom (unless already labelled)	X
Cans – Flat, print directly on can (e.g., sardine, herring, ham)	top bottom sides of larger cans	top & bottom – ridges and/or keys that prevent legible printing sides of small cans, unless already printed (e.g., sardine cans)	X
Cans – Cardboard or metal with plastic lid (e.g., hot chocolate)	plastic lid sides (full circumference)	lid – ridge, if present bottom	X
Cardboard Containers (e.g., milk, juice)	sides shoulder panels	bottom gabled ends top glue seal (area for "best before" date) plastic cap (unless labelled)	X
Catch Weight Meat Products of similar weight and form e.g., pork hocks	front* back* * ADS = area of largest rectangle that will fit on front or back panel, respectively, of 80% of the packages produced.	sides	X
Egg Cartons	lid – flat areas sides of lid inner lid if already labelled	bottom with dropped cups top – indented areas that will not support labelling	X
Frozen Foods – Foil container, plastic or cardboard lid (e.g., frozen cake, frozen lasagna)	top	foil container	X (if on included area)
Frozen Foods – Foil container, plastic or cardboard lid and overwrap (e.g., frozen cake)	top or overwrap, whichever is larger	foil container	X (if on included area)
Multi- Pack with dropped units (plastic cups) (e.g., multi-pack of pudding, multi-pack of yogurt with common lid)	common area (top) visible area of dropped units	open ended windows areas of dropped cups that are not visible at time of purchase (facing inward) bottom of cups	X
Multi-Pack – Transparent cellophane wrapper over fully labelled individual units	If NFT is on outer packaging, ADS includes total outer package If NFT is on individual unit, ADS is based on surface of individual unit. Note, NFT and all mandatory information must be visible at time of purchase.		X
Paper Label Inside Clear Packaging	whole length of panels all panels that may support inner paper label	areas where inner paper label may not be supported (e.g., cup area of egg carton)	X
Pillow Packs	front back sides > 4 cm wide	sealed seams sides < 4 cm wide	X
Tags – Applied to containers other than: ornamental containers, products to which a label cannot be affixed, and small packages to which alternate methods of presentation apply. (See table E-1 for tags attached to ornamental containers, etc.)	container	tag – the NFT must not appear on the tag	X
Tetra Pak	Top Front Back Sides	bottom sides – folded corners (folded from the top panel) top – foil or plastic covered spout or straw insertion area top and back seams, unless printed information exists in these areas cellophane covering for straw	X
Tubs – Printed plastic (e.g., yogurt, margarine)	lid (see next column) sides (full circumference)	lid – ridge on edge; see Table E2: Lids sides – top ridge, where lid covers side sides – curve at bottom bottom	X
Tubs – Clear plastic, labelled with paper label (e.g., deli tubs)	lid (see next column) sides (full circumference) bottom	lid – ridge on edge; see Table E2: Lids sides – top ridge, where lid covers side sides – curve at bottom bottom – inner ridge	X
Tubs – Cardboard (e.g., ice cream)	sides (full circumference) lid	sides – area covered by rim of lid lid – plastic rim, unless already labelled bottom	X
Wrappers, Tube Shapes	all sides	gathered ends unless covered by a sticker central seam	X

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