New Nutrition Labelling Regulations Announced for Canada

Trade Update • June 30, 2022

ealth Canada has announced new nutrition labelling regulations for packaged foods to help Canadians make informed food choices. These regulations will require a new symbol to be displayed on the front of packaged foods that are high in saturated fat, sugars and/or sodium. Manufacturers have until January 1, 2026, to change their labels and comply with the new requirement.

The new nutrition symbol includes a magnifying glass and text to draw attention to important information Canadians should consider as they are buying groceries. The symbol will complement the Nutrition Facts table displayed on the back of food packages.

Front-of-package nutrition labelling is a key part of Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, which aims to improve the food environment in Canada, make it easier for Canadians to make informed food choices, and lower the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. Other components of the Strategy include the updated Nutrition Facts table and Canada’s food guide, which offers recipe ideas, tips for healthy eating, and healthy eating resources.

Quick Facts

• Across the country, two in five adults have chronic diseases such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
• Health Canada is targeting saturated fat, sugars and sodium with its new front-of-package nutrition labelling regulations because of strong evidence linking their excess consumption to increased risks of chronic disease.
• It is estimated that a reduction of 400 mg of sodium per day, achieved over a 10-year period, would result in up to 40,000 fewer cases of coronary heart disease and 23,000 fewer cases of stroke annually.