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Labelling, standards of identity and grades

The food label is one of the most important and direct means of communicating product information between buyers and sellers. It is one of the primary means by which consumers differentiate between individual foods and brands to make informed purchasing choices.

Information on labelling, standards of identity and grades

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations

The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) set out the requirements for all foods that are imported, exported and inter-provincially traded. Some traceability, labelling and advertising provisions also apply to intra-provincially traded foods. Requirements of standards of identity and grades have been included in documents incorporated by reference.

Companies must adhere to requirements under the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) in addition to those under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and SFCR.

The information below outlines the main changes to labelling, standards of identity and grade requirements under the SFCR.

Food and Drug Regulations - updates

Food labelling coordination

Food Product Innovation

Notice to industry

Date Subject
2024-01-30 Undeclared milk allergens in chocolate products
2023-12-29 Update on compliance timelines for greenhouse cucumber standards
2023-12-08 Implementation of the 2016 nutrition labelling amendments
2023-12-06 Use of national symbols on food labels
2023-10-05 Guidance for simulated meat and simulated poultry products has been updated
2023-08-15 Your regulatory responsibilities regarding caffeinated energy drinks
2023-07-07 Changes to the Canadian Grade Compendium: Volume 2 – Fresh Fruit or Vegetables
2023-06-21 Changes to the Canadian Grade Compendium: Volume 9 – Import Grade Requirements
2022-05-18 Implementation for Health Canada's new guidance for novel food regulations focused on plant breeding
2022-01-27 Update on compliance timelines for the use of food additives in certain ready-to-eat meat products
2021-11-09 Compliance timelines for the use of food additives in certain ready-to-eat meat products
2019-07-09 Authenticity of honey in the Canadian marketplace
2019-06-21 New Test Market Authorizations process
2018-09-19 Use of natamycin in cheese production
2015-03-18 Web-based Industry Labelling Tool supports label compliance across the food sector

Additional information

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