CFIA Updates Common Names for Ingredients and Components

Trade Update • Feb. 18, 2026

Key Points

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) updated the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document incorporated by reference into the Food and Drug Regulations.
• Revisions respond to industry and stakeholder comments from a public consultation.
• Key terminology changes include revised English and French labels for milk-related ingredient class names.
• The Industry Labelling Tool has been updated to reflect these changes.
• Food businesses have until January 1, 2030 to update product labels.

T​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​he CFIA published an official notice announcing amendments to the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document that food manufacturers and importers use when declaring ingredient names on labels. The amendments reflect feedback from industry and consumers on the use of class names like milk ingredients and modified milk ingredients and update French equivalents. The Industry Labelling Tool, which supports compliance with food labelling requirements, incorporates the new document. To give businesses adequate time to comply, CFIA set a transition period through January 1, 2030, during which either the previous or updated names can appear on labels. After that date, only the updated naming can be used.

What Changed

The updates reflect feedback from industry, consumers, and other stakeholders.

The changes include:

• Revising which ingredients or components may use the common names “milk ingredients” or “modified milk ingredients” in the list of ingredients on food labels.
• Replacing the French common name “substances laitières” with “ingrédients du lait.”
• Changing the common name “modified milk ingredients” to “milk-derived ingredients,” and replacing “substances laitières modifiées” with “ingrédients dérivés du lait.”

These revisions apply to ingredient declarations under the Food and Drug Regulations. For the full list of approved ingredient names and their updated French equivalents, check out the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document published by CFIA.

Transition Period

The transition allows regulated parties to use either the previous or updated naming on labels until January 1, 2030. After that date, labels must reflect the amended terms. This extended period helps manufacturers adjust packaging, artwork, and compliance processes without immediate disruption.

During the transition, businesses may choose the naming approach that best fits their products and compliance schedule.

Industry Labelling Tool Update

The CFIA updated the Industry Labelling Tool to reflect the new common names. This tool guides food businesses through labelling requirements in Canada, including ingredient lists, nutrition claims, and allergen declaration. Manufacturers can now reference the latest version when preparing or revising food labels.

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.