If you’re trying to bring a food or supplement product to both the Canadian and US markets, you’ve probably already noticed how complicated labeling can get. Maybe you’ve had a label approved in one country but rejected in the other, or you’ve found yourself buried in pages of inconsistent regulations. You’re not the only one facing this.
We get it. You’re just trying to do the right thing and get your product on shelves, without wasting time or money on rework. Labeling shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze.
That’s why we created this guide. It walks you through the key differences between Canadian and US labeling rules so you can move forward with clarity. Let’s break it down.
Different regulators, different frameworks
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both food and dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). You can learn more on the FDA’s Food Labeling and Nutrition page. Supplements follow additional rules under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
Meanwhile, in Canada, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulate food under the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR). You’ll find more information Health Canada’s Food Labelling page.
Supplements, categorized as Natural Health Products (NHPs), are governed by the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD). You can explore their guidance on Health Canada’s NHP Regulations page.
Food vs supplement labeling: Core differences
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to recognize that food and supplements are regulated very differently, even within the same country. These differences impact everything from your panel layout to what claims you’re allowed to make.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most significant distinctions between Canada and the US for both food and supplements:
| Requirement | Canada – Food | Canada – Supplements (NHPs) | US – Food | US – Supplements |
| Regulator | CFIA / Health Canada | NNHPD | FDA | FDA (DSHEA) |
| Label Format | Nutrition Facts Table (NFT) or Supplemented Food Facts Table | Product Facts Table | Nutrition Facts | Supplement Facts |
| Language | Bilingual (English and French) | Bilingual | English only | English only |
| Ingredient Disclosure | Mandatory, descending by weight | Mandatory, must align with licence | Mandatory, descending by weight | Mandatory for active ingredients |
| Health Claims | Basic nutrient claims permitted with evidence | Strictly controlled by monographs and licenced claims with evidence | Permitted (must be truthful) | Structure/function allowed with disclaimer |
| Unique ID | Not applicable | NPN (Natural Product Number) | Not applicable | None |
| Allergen Disclosure | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory (FALCPA) | Mandatory (if applicable) |
Health claims and disclaimers
In Canada, both food and supplement claims must comply with strict requirements:
- For food: Only certain nutrient content and function claims are allowed unless pre-approved.
- For NHPs: Claims must align with Health Canada’s published monographs or be supported by clinical evidence.
In contrast, the US allows structure/function claims on supplements, as long as you include the following disclaimer: “This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
However, disease reduction claims for both categories must receive FDA authorization based on significant scientific agreement.
Common compliance pitfalls and how to avoid them
Trying to reuse the same label across markets is a common, and often costly, mistake. For instance, missing bilingual requirements in Canada, using unapproved claims, or confusing Nutrition Facts with Supplement Facts can all trigger compliance issues.
The good news? These challenges are manageable with the right support. With expert support, you can get ahead of these challenges and launch with confidence. At Quality Smart Solutions, we offer practical services to help you avoid these setbacks:
- Label audits for both food and supplements
- Product classification assistance (is it a food or a supplement?)
- NHP product license applications
- Supplement Facts and Nutrition Facts compliance reviews
- Ingredient and claim assessments
With expert guidance, you can move confidently into new markets knowing every label meets local requirements before your product hits the shelf.
Final thoughts
Food and supplement labeling requirements differ substantially between Canada and the US. What passes in one country may be flagged in another, even for the same product. By understanding the nuances of each regulatory system, you’ll save time, reduce risk, and protect your brand.
Need expert help? Contact us or fill out the form below to streamline your compliance process and launch with confidence.
