What are the Canadian food labeling regulations?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for enforcing food labeling regulations in Canada. These regulations require that all prepackaged food products sold in Canada have a label that includes certain information, such as the product name, list of ingredients, nutrition facts, and allergen information. The label must also meet certain formatting and language requirements, and must be accurate and not misleading to consumers. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or other penalties.

What is the mandatory food label Information?

The mandatory information that must be included on a food label in Canada includes the product name, list of ingredients, nutrition facts table, allergen information, and the dealer's name and address. The product name must accurately reflect the nature of the food product, and the list of ingredients must be in descending order of weight. The nutrition facts table must include information on calories, fat, sodium, carbohydrates, protein, and certain vitamins and minerals. Allergen information must be clearly indicated if the product contains any of the major food allergens.

What should I know about food allergen and ingredient labeling in Canada?

In Canada, food allergen and ingredient labeling is also mandatory. Allergens must be clearly identified on the label, either in the ingredient list or in a separate "Contains" statement. The 10 priority allergens must be identified, which include peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, soy, and wheat. In addition, any ingredients that are derived from these allergens must also be identified. It's important to note that even trace amounts of allergens must be declared on the label. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal action.

What are the food claims and advertising restrictions?

In Canada, food claims and advertising are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA has strict guidelines on what can and cannot be claimed on food labels and in advertising. For example, claims about the health benefits of a food must be supported by scientific evidence and cannot be misleading. Additionally, certain terms like "organic" and "natural" have specific definitions and requirements for their use. It's important for food businesses to understand these regulations to avoid penalties and maintain consumer trust.

Do I need to provide French labeling for my food products in Canada?

Yes, if you sell food products in Canada, they must have labeling in both English and French, as per the country's bilingual labeling requirements.

What information should be included in the French portion of the label?

The French portion should include all required information, such as product name, ingredient list, nutrition facts, allergen information, and any mandatory statements, in the French language.

Can I use a bilingual label with English and French side by side?

Yes, bilingual labels with English and French text side by side are acceptable as long as all required information is present in both languages and meets legibility requirements.

Do I need to translate the product name into French?

Yes, the product name should be translated into French if it's in English on the label. The French translation should accurately represent the product.

Should I provide the ingredient list in French as well?

Yes, the ingredient list must be provided in French, including accurate translations of ingredient names.

How do I present nutrition facts in French?

Nutrition facts should be presented in both English and French. The French text should be in close proximity to the English text and easily legible.

What about allergen information in French?

Allergen information, including "Contains" statements, should be provided in French if it appears in English on the label. Ensure the translations are accurate and clearly visible.

Are there specific font size and legibility requirements for the French text?

Yes, the French text should be easily readable, and there are specific font size requirements based on the size of your packaging. The text should contrast sufficiently with the background for clarity.

Where can I find detailed guidance on Canadian food labeling regulations?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provides comprehensive guidance and resources on food labeling regulations in Canada, including bilingual labeling requirements.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with French label requirements in Canada?

Non-compliance with labeling regulations can lead to product recalls, fines, and legal issues. It's essential to adhere to the regulations to avoid such consequences.

Is there a grace period for compliance with French label requirements?

It's essential to comply with the regulations from the outset. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, so it's best to ensure your labels are in line with the requirements before selling products in Canada.

Food Label Compliance and French Translation

We help you develop compliant labels and provide French translation services. Let us be your partner to create graphic labels ready-for-print, review labels for compliance and ensure your labels meet all new Health Canada food regulations.

Food labeling regulations in Canada are designed to provide consumers with clear and accurate product information. From ingredient lists to nutrition facts, understanding the basics of food labeling will help you make informed decisions about what you eat.

Requirements for a Food Label In Canada

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) govern Canada’s food label regulations. Label requirements include country of origin, units of measure (where applicable), bilingual nutrition facts table, allergen statements. Depending on your nutrient profile as per the Nutrition Facts Table there may be an opportunity to qualify nutrient claims (eg. low in saturated fat, high in protein, etc.) In 2026, the Front of Package (FOP) regulations come into effect requiring a symbol to be placed on food labels that meet the criteria containing high sodium, carbohydrates and/or fat.

Core Labelling Requirements

Bilingual Labelling	List of Ingredients and Allergens
Common Name	Net Quantity
Country of Origin	Nutrition Labelling
Date Markings and Storage Instructions	Sweeteners
Name and Principal Place of Business	Food Additives
Irradiated Foods	Fortification
Legibility and Location	Grades
	Standards of Identity

French Translation for Nutrition Facts Table

According to Health Canada, every piece of important information on consumer prepackaged food must be available in both languages, i.e., French and English. Such information includes core labelling requirements, like common name, and prescribed words or expressions for specific foods.

Health Canada Food Label Compliance Solutions

Our compliance experts help you review labels for different types of foods like canned goods, beverages, cereals, dry products, meats and others. Besides, we provide French label translation services to meet Canadian legal and regulatory labelling requirements. We offer fast, affordable, packaging compliance solutions.

What is the basic Information needed on Food Labels in Canada?

Canadian food labels are legally required to have basic information about the product, such as its name, ingredients list, nutritional facts table, and allergen warnings. Also listed on most food labels are the lot number, expiration date or best before date, weight or volume of the product, country of origin, and contact information for the manufacturer. All this information must be written in both English and French so that bilingual consumers can easily understand it.

What are the Nutrition Facts Table and Serving Size Requirements?

Canadian food labels are legally required to have basic information about the product, such as its name, ingredients list, nutritional facts table, and allergen warnings. Also listed on most food labels are the lot number, expiration date or best before date, weight or volume of the product, country of origin, and contact information for the manufacturer. All this information must be written in both English and French so that bilingual consumers can easily understand it.

How are allergens and Intolerances listed and labeled on food labels in Canada?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, all food labels must list the presence of common allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites in amounts of 10 ppm or more. Listing these substances on a food label can help those who deal with allergies or intolerances make better-informed decisions about the products they choose to buy. Also, items must be labeled in bold font as part of the ingredient list if they contain any of these special food ingredients.

What are the prepackaged food products country of origin labelling requirements?

Prepackaged food products must specify the country of origin on their label if they contain ingredients from more than one country. The label should show the name(s) of any countries where an ingredient was grown, produced, packaged, or manufactured. However, a requirement for country of origin labeling does not apply to fruits, vegetables, or certain types of fish. It also does not cover single-ingredient foods such as coffee beans, salt, or baking soda.

What are the labelling regulations for alcoholic beverages in Canada?

All alcoholic beverages sold in Canada must comply with federal and provincial labeling requirements. At a minimum, those labels must include the product name and type, the alcohol content percentage, the net quantity of the container, and the supplier’s name and address. In addition to this information, wine products must also specify the vintner or grape variety used to make the product. Beer products must list their ingredients (including water), as well as any additives used in the product. For spirituous liquors such as vodka or gin, a statement of original proof is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a food label in Canada?

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) govern Canada’s food label regulations. Label requirements include country of origin, units of measure (where applicable), bilingual nutrition facts table, and allergen statements. Depending on your nutrient profile as per the Nutrition Facts Table there may be an opportunity to qualify nutrient claims (e.g. low in saturated fat, high in protein, etc.)

What are the bilingual labeling requirements in Canada?

All food products must be translated for the following in Canada:

Common Name
Country of Origin
Date Markings and Storage Instructions
Name and Principal Place of Business
Irradiated Foods
Legibility and Location

What does Health Canada require food labels to list?

Net Quantity
Nutrition Labelling
Sweeteners
Food Additives
Fortification
Grades
Standards of Identity
Ingredients & Allergens

What French Translation is required for the Nutrition Facts Table?

According to Health Canada, every piece of important information on consumer prepackaged food must be available in both languages, i.e., French and English. Such information includes core labeling requirements, common names, and prescribed words or expressions.

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