Simplified Explanation of Changes to Labeling Rules
Starting July 2022, food manufacturers and suppliers have been required to display special labeling symbols on certain food products. These include a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol for products high in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, and a supplemented food caution identifier (SFCI) for supplemented foods with specific health or safety concerns (e.g. added caffeine). Some products may require both symbols on the front of the package, which has caused concerns about space on labels and packaging design.
Why Was a Change Needed?
Manufacturers and suppliers raised concerns that placing both symbols on the packaging would take up too much space, leaving less room for other important information. To address this concern, Health Canada modified the rules to allow these symbols to be placed directly next to each other without a gap between them. This is especially helpful for products that need more than one FOP nutrition symbol or both the FOP symbol and the SFCI.
What Has Changed?
Before this change, there was a required empty space, or “buffer zone,” around each symbol. Now, if the FOP nutrition symbol and the SFCI are next to each other, there doesn’t need to be a gap where they touch. This also applies to products needing multiple FOP symbols. However, any remaining sides of the symbols not touching another symbol must still have the required space around them.
How This Affects Food Manufacturers
This modification gives manufacturers and suppliers more flexibility in how they design their labels. They can now place these symbols side-by-side without worrying about taking up too much space, while still meeting legal requirements. This helps reduce the impact on available label space, making it easier for manufacturers and suppliers to comply with the rules, while still maintaining their brand integrity and marketing design.
Next Steps
The change was finalized after Health Canada received feedback from industry representatives and other stakeholders. This adjustment should make it easier for manufacturers to follow labeling guidelines while maintaining the integrity of the symbols for consumers. This update allows more efficient use of space on food packaging while keeping important health information visible and clear.
Quality Smart Solutions Can Help
Navigating the latest labeling requirements can be challenging, but Quality Smart Solutions is here to simplify the process. With recent changes to Canada’s labeling rules, Quality Smart Solutions offers expert guidance to ensure your labels meet these updated requirements efficiently and effectively. Let us help you create compliant, clear, and consumer-friendly labels that uphold the integrity of your brand. Reach out to Quality Smart Solutions to streamline your labeling process and stay ahead in the industry. Fill out the form below to get started.
s
