Health Canada: Nutritional Symbol on Front Packaging

In July 2022, Health Canada published its new regulation for the nutrition symbol on food packaging.

Issues and goals of the new regulation

To help consumers make quick and informed choices, the regulation now requires that certain foods high in saturated fats, sugars, and/or sodium display the new nutrition symbol on the front of the packaging.

Which products are affected?

Unless exempted, products that meet or exceed the thresholds for saturated fats, sugars, and/or sodium must display the new nutrition symbol indicating the nutrient(s) at high levels.

Therefore, not all products will necessarily have to display the nutrition symbol. If the product does not exceed the thresholds or is exempt, the symbol will not be required.

Examples of possible exemptions include:

• Foods that are exempt from the nutrition facts table
• Certain foods that have a protective effect on health and contain no sodium, sugars, or added saturated fats
• Certain dairy products that are significant sources of calcium
• Ground meats and poultry, raw, made from a single ingredient
• Certain products that are obvious sources of saturated fats, sugars, and/or sodium

What are the established thresholds based on the food category?

What are the requirements and their impact?

As with several other aspects of labeling, the display of the nutrition symbol is governed by specific requirements regarding dimensions, color, and placement on the packaging. These rules aim to ensure uniformity and clarity for the consumer while respecting the applicable standards.

However, beyond the visual aspects, the integration of this symbol may also have an impact on claims and mentions on the packaging. For example, all claims related to a nutrient mentioned in the symbol are prohibited, except for the claim "Reduced in..."

Furthermore, although certain claims remain allowed if they do not concern the nutrients displayed in the symbol, they must now respect a restriction on the character height used. This additional constraint aims to prevent any disproportionate emphasis on information that could influence the consumer’s perception.

The integration of the nutrition symbol therefore requires special attention, not only to ensure compliance with graphic requirements but also to anticipate its impact on the overall message conveyed by the packaging.

How does this change affect other departments?

Understanding the requirements and implications of this new regulation is essential for several teams within the company. Each department could be concerned at different levels:

• Research and Development (R&D): Integrating this regulation early in the design of new products ensures their compliance from the start.
• Marketing: Ensuring an appropriate location for the symbol when creating new packaging or updating brand images.
• Purchasing: Anticipating the need for compliant packaging, setting priorities to minimize losses, and ensuring timely supply.

The involvement of these departments early on helps ensure a smooth transition and avoid last-minute adjustments that could delay product launches.

What is the deadline for the regulation to take effect?

Starting on January 1, 2026, all foods manufactured or imported into Canada must display the new nutrition symbol on the front of the packaging where required. To ensure a smooth transition, it is crucial to anticipate this compliance and adjust packaging now.

Depending on your strategy, you could choose to modify your recipes to avoid the symbol or, conversely, adjust your packaging to comply with the regulation. In any case, an update will be necessary.

Don’t miss the opportunity to better understand this regulation and ensure the compliance of your products. Consult the following link for more details: