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Month: February 2025

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Natural Health Products (NHPs) News

NHP Labelling: Ministerial Exemption Order Announced

Natural Health Products labelling compliance update from Health Canada

Natural Health Products labelling compliance update from Health Canada

The regulatory landscape for NHP labelling is evolving, with businesses facing increasing pressure to comply with Health Canada’s updated regulations. Initially published on June 21, 2022, the Regulations Amending the Natural Health Products Regulations introduced stricter labelling requirements, set to take effect on June 21, 2025. Newly licensed Natural Health Products must comply immediately, while currently marketed NHPs have a three-year transition period. 

Many industry stakeholders have shared their concerns about the challenges of implementing these new regulations. Health Canada is listening and actively working with businesses, consumer groups, and health professionals to find solutions that work for everyone. Keep reading to learn how these changes might impact your business and what steps you can take to stay ahead. 

Ministerial Exemption Order: What It Means for Your Business 

Recognizing these challenges, Health Canada has announced a Ministerial Exemption Order, delaying the mandatory compliance date for newly licensed NHPs. Published on February 25, 2025, this exemption extends the deadline for newly licensed NHPs to June 21, 2028, aligning with the transition period granted to products licensed before June 21, 2025. 

This move aims to provide businesses with additional time to adapt to the changes while maintaining compliance with existing safety and quality standards. 

How Health Canada Is Supporting the Industry 

To help businesses navigate these changes smoothly, Health Canada is introducing several support measures. These efforts aim to simplify compliance, address stakeholder concerns, and ensure that companies have the necessary resources to meet regulatory requirements. Here’s what you can expect: 

  • Updated NHP monographs: Providing clearer guidance on ingredient labelling and safety information. 
  • Revised labelling guidance documents: Improving clarity and reducing ambiguity in compliance requirements. 
  • Ongoing stakeholder engagement: Ensuring businesses have the necessary resources and support to meet regulatory expectations. 

Next Steps: What Businesses Should Do Now 

This exemption gives businesses extra time, but don’t wait until the last minute! Now is the perfect time to proactively prepare for compliance by: 

  1. Reviewing the updated labelling requirements: Ensure that your team is aware of the latest regulations. 
  2. Developing a compliance strategy: Begin planning for packaging updates and regulatory alignment. 
  3. Engaging with regulatory experts: Seek professional guidance to navigate compliance challenges efficiently. 

At Quality Smart Solutions, our regulatory experts are here to help you stay ahead of the evolving NHP labelling landscape.  

Contact us today to ensure your products remain compliant or fill out the form below to get started. For official details, visit the Health Canada website. 

Categories
Cosmetics News

Is Your Cosmetic Ready for Canada’s New Allergen Rules?

Cosmetic product label displaying fragrance allergen information

Cosmetic product label displaying fragrance allergen informationHealth Canada’s 2026 Fragrance Allergen Rules: What You Need to Know 

Health Canada recently reminded the cosmetics industry that all products must comply with fragrance allergen rules requirements by April 12, 2026. This regulation aims to support consumers in making informed choices about products containing fragrance ingredients they may be allergic or sensitive to.  

If you manufacture, import, or distribute cosmetic products in Canada, it is crucial to understand these labelling changes and take proactive steps toward compliance. How will these new fragrance allergen rules impact your products? Keep reading to find out what you need to do to stay compliant! 

What Does the Allergen Rules Rule Mean? 

The updated regulation mandates that cosmetic products must clearly disclose fragrance allergens on their labels. The goal is to enhance transparency, ensuring consumers can easily identify and avoid ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions. This aligns with international standards and strengthens consumer protection measures. 

Why Compliance Matters 

Failure to comply with the new fragrance allergen rules requirements could result in regulatory action, including product recalls, fines, or restrictions on product sales. Ensuring your labels meet Health Canada’s standards not only helps you avoid penalties but also builds consumer trust and enhances product credibility. 

Key Steps to Ensure Compliance 

1. Review Your Ingredient List

Identify whether your products contain any of the recognized fragrance allergens specified in the new regulations. These must be clearly listed on the product packaging. 

2. Update Your Product Labels

Modify your cosmetic product labels to include fragrance allergen information. Labels should be clear, accurate, and easy to read to help consumers make informed decisions. 

3. Ensure Regulatory Approval

If your product formulation changes due to these requirements, you may need to update your Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) with Health Canada. 

4. Educate Your Team

Your compliance, marketing, and product development teams should be aware of these changes to avoid delays and ensure smooth implementation before the deadline. 

Stay Ahead of Compliance Deadlines 

Navigating regulatory changes can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of regulatory experts at Quality Smart Solutions can assist with cosmetic labelling compliance, product notifications, and regulatory strategy to ensure you meet Health Canada’s fragrance allergen rules requirements. 

For further details, refer to the official Health Canada announcement. 

With the April 12, 2026 deadline approaching, now is the time to act. Get ready to ensure your cosmetic products comply with Health Canada’s updated fragrance allergen rules regulations. Fill out the form below or contact us. Our experts are here to help! 

Categories
Health Canada News

Health Canada’s New Front-of-Package Label Rules Explained

Example of a front-of-package nutrition label as per Health Canada's 2026 regulations.

Example of a front-of-package nutrition label as per Health Canada's 2026 regulations.Introduction 

Health Canada’s new front-of-package label rules are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in how food products must be labelled. These regulations are designed to help consumers make informed choices by clearly identifying products high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium. If you’re a food manufacturer, retailer, or importer, it’s crucial to understand how these new rules will impact your business. 

Failure to comply could lead to costly product recalls, penalties, or even damage to your brand’s reputation. In this guide, we break down what you need to know about Health Canada’s new label rules and how to ensure your business stays compliant. 

What Are Health Canada’s New Label Rules? 

Starting January 1, 2026, Health Canada will require prepackaged food products that meet or exceed certain thresholds of saturated fat, sugars, or sodium to display a standardized front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol. This symbol must appear on the front of the package to provide a quick visual cue for consumers. These regulations apply to: 

  • Food manufacturers selling prepackaged products in Canada. 
  • Importers bringing food products into Canada. 
  • Retailers that sell store-brand or private-label products. 

Certain foods are exempt from these regulations, including: 

  • Whole, unprocessed foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats. 
  • Foods with minimal nutritional impact, like coffee and tea. 
  • Specific dairy products due to naturally occurring nutrients. 

What the Front-of-Package Nutrition Symbol Looks Like  

The new front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol is designed to provide consumers with a clear and immediate understanding of the nutritional content of prepackaged foods. This black and white symbol features a magnifying glass icon, emphasizing the presence of specific nutrients that are high in the product.  

Depending on the product’s content, the symbol will highlight “saturated fat,” “sugars,” “sodium,” or any combination of these. At the bottom of the symbol, the words “Health Canada / Santé Canada” are displayed, signifying its official endorsement. Below is an example of the front-of-package nutrition symbol: 

How to Stay Compliant 

1. Review Your Product Portfolio

Conduct a thorough audit of your product labels to identify items that may require the new FOP nutrition symbol. Use Health Canada’s guidelines to determine whether your product meets or exceeds the saturated fat, sugars, or sodium limits. 

2. Adjust Product Formulations (If Needed)

If your products exceed the thresholds, consider reformulating recipes to reduce saturated fat, sugars, or sodium content. Reformulation not only helps in compliance but can also enhance your brand’s appeal to health-conscious consumers. 

3. Update Packaging & Labels

Ensure your packaging design includes the required FOP nutrition symbol in a visible and compliant format. The symbol must: 

  • Be black and white 
  • Include the wording “High in [Saturated Fat/Sugars/Sodium]” 
  • Appear in the upper 50% of the package 

4. Train Your Team & Supply Chain Partners

Your regulatory and packaging teams, along with your suppliers and distributors, must be fully aware of these new labelling requirements. Hold training sessions to ensure alignment. 

5. Stay Updated with Health Canada

Health Canada may release further guidance documents or compliance updates leading up to the 2026 deadline. Regularly check their official website for any updates. 

Why Compliance Matters 

Ignoring Health Canada’s new front-of-package label rules can lead to: 

  • Fines & penalties for non-compliant products. 
  • Product recalls, resulting in financial loss. 
  • Reputation damage, affecting consumer trust and sales. 

On the other hand, compliance presents an opportunity to build consumer trust by demonstrating transparency and a commitment to public health. 

Need Help Navigating Compliance? 

At Quality Smart Solutions, we specialize in regulatory compliance for food labelling and can guide your business through the FOP (front-of-package) nutrition labelling process. Our experts can assist with label audits, product reformulation, and regulatory strategy to ensure you meet the January 1, 2026, deadline without hassle. 

Contact us today to ensure your labels meet Health Canada’s requirements and visit our services page to learn more about our FOP solutions. By following these steps, businesses can avoid penalties while building a stronger, health-conscious brand. Start preparing now to ensure a seamless transition to compliance before January 1, 2026. 

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Health Canada News

How to Make ‘Made in Canada’ Claims Amid Trade Tensions

A Canadian-made food product label highlighting compliance requirements.

A Canadian-made food product label highlighting compliance requirements.Understanding ‘Made in Canada’ Claims 

With trade tensions rising and new tariffs affecting cross-border business, Canadian brands must ensure they accurately label their products. Claiming a product is “Made in Canada” can boost consumer trust and appeal, but businesses must follow strict regulations to avoid misleading advertising. 

Recent changes and increased scrutiny from the Competition Bureau make it more critical than ever to meet compliance standards. If you’re running a food, beverage, or consumer goods business, you need to understand how to legally make a ‘Made in Canada’ claim. Ensuring your product meets the right criteria will help you protect your brand, maintain customer trust, and avoid costly penalties. 

Let’s dig into the specific considerations that will help you navigate this process smoothly. Whether you’re unsure about cost breakdowns, final processing rules, or labelling requirements, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to ensure your business stays compliant and competitive. 

The Legal Criteria for ‘Made in Canada’ Claims 

According to Gowling WLG, to use a ‘Made in Canada’ claim, your product must meet the following conditions: 

  • At least 51% of total direct costs (manufacturing, production, labour, and materials) must be incurred in Canada. 
  • Final transformation of the product must occur in Canada. 
  • If foreign ingredients are included, the claim must include a qualifying statement (e.g., “Made in Canada from imported ingredients”). 

Failing to comply with these requirements can result in fines or consumer backlash for misleading claims. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Many businesses unintentionally misrepresent their products due to misunderstandings about compliance. Some common errors include: 

  • Not meeting the 51% rule: If a product is mostly made with imported materials, it may not qualify. 
  • Vague or misleading claims: Phrases like “Proudly Canadian” may imply full Canadian production when only packaging happens in Canada. 
  • Incorrect qualifying statements: If ingredients come from outside Canada, companies must state this explicitly. 

To avoid these pitfalls, you should conduct a thorough cost analysis and review your supply chain before making any claims. 

Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever 

With the new tariffs on Canadian goods creating market uncertainty, businesses must strengthen their Made in Canada messaging to retain customer loyalty. 

Consumers are actively seeking domestic products, especially in the food and beverage industry. However, misleading claims can lead to legal repercussions and damage your brand’s reputation. To safeguard your business, ensure that your labelling meets all Canadian regulatory standards. 

Steps to Ensure Compliance 

Ensuring compliance with Made in Canada claims requires careful attention to regulations and proper documentation. By following these steps, you can confidently market your products while avoiding legal issues and consumer mistrust. Here’s what to do: 

  1. Audit your supply chain: Ensure at least 51% of costs are incurred in Canada. 
  2. Verify final processing: Confirm that your product undergoes significant manufacturing in Canada. 
  3. Use correct labelling: If using foreign ingredients, include “Made in Canada from imported ingredients.” 
  4. Document compliance: Keep records of sourcing, manufacturing, and cost structures for regulatory checks. 
  5. Consult a compliance expert: Stay updated on advertising and trade regulations to avoid penalties. 

How Quality Smart Solutions Can Help 

Navigating trade regulations can be complex, but Quality Smart Solutions can provide expert guidance on compliance and labelling. Our team ensures your Made in Canada claims are accurate, legally sound, and optimized for consumer trust. 

If you’re unsure whether your product meets Made in Canada requirements, our experts are here to help. Contact us today to ensure your claims align with Canadian regulations and market expectations. 

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Events Past

Natural Products Expo West 2025

Natural Products Expo West

Join Quality Smart Solutions at Natural Products Expo West 2025, the top trade show for the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. This event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and regulatory experts to shape the future of natural products.

Regulatory requirements are evolving, making compliance more critical than ever. Our team specializes in organic certification, Health Canada and FDA regulations, dietary supplement compliance, and functional food approvals. Whether you are launching a new product, expanding into new markets, or need expert guidance, we help you navigate regulations with confidence.

How We Can Help

  • Regulatory Expertise: Stay ahead of evolving compliance standards and avoid regulatory pitfalls.
  • Organic and Natural Certifications: Ensure your products meet certification requirements for organic labelling.
  • Product and Label Compliance: Get expert guidance on labelling regulations and formulation compliance.
  • Market Entry Strategy: Accelerate product approvals and gain access to North American markets.

Schedule a Meeting

Expo West is a fast-paced event, and we want to ensure you receive the expert advice and guidance needed to succeed. Our regulatory specialists will be available for in-person discussions throughout the event to answer your questions and explore how we can help your products thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Book a meeting with our team today and take the next step toward regulatory success.

Quality Smart Solutions at Natural Products Expo West 2024

  • March 4-7, 2025
  • Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California (USA)
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Categories
Food Safety News

New Organic Product Import Rules Coming to Canada

Requirements for organic products in Canada

Digital import certificate requirements for organic products in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is introducing new measures to strengthen import controls for organic product import compliance. These controls are being enhanced to ensure the integrity of organic claims, prevent misleading labeling, and align with international certification standards. 

As part of a two-phase project, CFIA rolled out Phase 1 in November 2024 and will implement Phase 2 on May 26, 2025.

Does your business import organic foods into Canada? If so, you must prepare for these changes to avoid supply chain disruptions. Keep reading to learn more and stay compliant.

What’s Changing?

The second phase of CFIA’s import control project introduces a new requirement for importers and brokers. They must now submit a digital copy of their organic certificate as part of the Integrated Import Declaration (IID). This is also known as the CBSA Single Window system.

From now on, all organic imports must include either an uploaded certificate or a Unique Reference Number (URN). The URN links to a previously submitted certificate, making compliance more efficient.

Key Updates Effective May 26, 2025

  • Importers and brokers must upload a digital copy of the organic certificate during the IID submission.

  • The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will issue a URN for each uploaded certificate, which can be reused for multiple shipments. 

  • Import declarations can contain multiple URNs where applicable. 

  • Failure to include a digital certificate or URN will result in a rejected import declaration until compliance is met. 

How This Affects Importers and Brokers 

If your business is involved in organic product import, these regulatory changes will directly impact your import process. Here’s what you need to do to remain compliant: 

  1. Ensure you have a digital copy of your organic certificate: This document must be readily available and uploaded at the time of import declaration. 

  2. Familiarize yourself with AIRS updates: CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) now includes newly added organic products. Importers must stay up to date with these additions. 

  3. Use the URN system efficiently: If you have already provided an organic certificate for a shipment, use the assigned URN for future declarations to streamline the process. 

  4. Avoid delays and rejections: Missing documentation will result in import declaration rejections, which can disrupt business operations and lead to delays in product distribution. 

Stay Compliant with Quality Smart Solutions 

Navigating new organic product import regulations can be complex, but fortunately, Quality Smart Solutions is here to help. Our experts provide guidance on regulatory compliance, helping businesses meet CFIA and CBSA requirements seamlessly. Ensure your business stays ahead of compliance changes.

To stay ahead of these changes, contact us today or fill out the form below to learn how we can support your import processes. For further details, you can refer to the official CFIA announcement or contact the Canada Organic Regime team at OPR-RPB@inspection.gc.ca. 

Categories
Blog GRAS

GRAS in Pet Food: A Guide to Ingredient Compliance

Pet food ingredients for GRAS compliance.

Pet food ingredients for GRAS compliance.GRAS in pet food – these four words can make a big difference in your product’s regulatory status. Understanding what GRAS designation means and how it impacts your pet food formulations is essential for navigating the complex world of animal feed regulations. This guide will break down the key aspects of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, helping you ensure your pet food products meet the required standards. 

Navigating the regulatory landscape of pet food ingredients can be challenging. Therefore, staying informed about GRAS in pet food and its implications is crucial for pet food manufacturers, distributors, and anyone involved in the animal feed industry. Read on to learn more about this critical aspect of pet food compliance. 

What is GRAS? 

GRAS stands for Generally Recognized as Safe. In the context of pet food, it signifies that a specific ingredient is considered safe for its intended use in animal feed, based on scientific evidence or a history of safe use in food. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) oversees the GRAS notification program for animal food. Essentially, GRAS status offers a pathway for companies to affirm the safety of their ingredients without undergoing the formal food additive approval process. You can find more information on the FDA’s GRAS Notification Program website.  

How Does GRAS Determination Work? 

There are two primary ways to establish GRAS status for a pet food ingredient: 

  • Scientific Procedure: This involves conducting robust scientific studies that demonstrate the safety of the ingredient for its intended use in animal feed. These studies typically include toxicology tests, feeding trials, and other relevant research. This data is then evaluated by qualified experts. 
  • History of Safe Use: If an ingredient has a long history of safe use in food (for humans or animals), it may be considered GRAS based on that history. This requires demonstrating a substantial history of safe consumption. 

Why is GRAS Important for Pet Food? 

GRAS designation plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of pet food products. It provides a framework for evaluating the safety of ingredients, protecting animal health, and building consumer trust. Moreover, it helps streamline the regulatory process for new ingredients, fostering innovation in the pet food industry. Properly establishing GRAS in pet food status is essential for avoiding regulatory issues and ensuring your products are compliant. 

GRAS Notification Process 

While not mandatory, many companies choose to submit a GRAS notification to the FDA for their ingredients. This process involves providing detailed information about the ingredient, its intended use, and the scientific basis for its safety.  

The FDA then evaluates the notification and issues a letter stating whether it has any questions about the notifier’s GRAS conclusion. This process adds a layer of transparency and strengthens the credibility of the GRAS determination. 

Key Considerations for GRAS in Pet Food 

  • Intended Use: The specific purpose of the ingredient in the pet food formulation is a critical factor in GRAS evaluation. 
  • Animal Species: GRAS status can vary depending on the target animal species (e.g., dogs, cats, birds). 
  • Concentration: The level of the ingredient in the final pet food product is another important consideration. 
  • Data and Documentation: Thorough documentation of the scientific evidence or history of safe use is essential for supporting a GRAS determination. 

Staying Compliant with GRAS Regulations 

Navigating the complexities of GRAS in pet food regulations can be challenging. Therefore, partnering with experts in regulatory affairs and food safety can be invaluable. Quality Smart Solutions can help you navigate the GRAS notification process, ensuring your pet food products meet all necessary requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your GRAS compliance efforts. 

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