2024 Front of Package (FOP) Labelling Canada - Food Industry
In 2022, Health Canada published new standards for Food and Drug Regulations in Canada, introducing a new front of pack (FOP) nutrient labelling mandate for pre-packaged foods exceeding the newly proposed levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. The goal is to aid Canadian consumers in making well-informed purchasing decisions by identifying products exceeding the applicable % daily value thresholds and supporting healthy eating patterns avoiding risks associated with diet related diseases.
For an in-depth overview of the Front of Pack regulatory requirements visit our Knowledge Session presented by NPCC Academy and our Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Karolina Zarichna.
About the Front of Package (FOP) Labelling
The front of package nutrition label plays a crucial role in a product's nutrition information and nutrition labelling, making it easy for consumers to identify foods that surpass daily value nutrient thresholds. Health Canada mandates that the food industry assess their products to determine if they meet the criteria for displaying this label. This assessment entails comparing nutrient levels in the products against established daily value thresholds and taking into account serving sizes or reference amounts. For instance, if a prepackaged food exceeds the daily value of sodium per serving size or reference amount, it must feature a front of package nutrition symbol indicating its high sodium content. As such, foods high in the three nutrients of concern will now display a front of pack symbol.
The daily value thresholds for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium are established based on the category of prepackaged foods and the nutrient's daily value supporting a healthy eating patterns. When assessing whether your product necessitates a front of package nutrition symbol, consider the following categories:
General prepackaged foods: the daily value threshold for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium is ≥ 15%
Prepackaged foods with small reference amount ≤ 30 g or mL: the daily value threshold for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium is ≥ 10%
Prepackaged main dishes with reference amount of ≥ 200 g or 170 g (for main dishes intended solely for 1-4 year olds): the daily values threshold is ≥ 30%
During the transition period, consumers will notice a standardized black and white FOP symbol on the upper 50% of the front-facing panel of applicable products. This symbol, featuring a magnifying glass, will indicate if nutrients (sodium, sugar, or saturated fats) exceed the established threshold.
Deadline for Compliance
Manufacturers have until December 31, 2025, to implement the new labelling requirements and include the FOP symbol on relevant products. From January 1, 2026, all newly manufactured and imported products must comply with these regulations. However, products produced before this date are permitted to be sold until supplies are exhausted.
Ensure compliance with Health Canada's new regulations to avoid penalties and maintain consumer trust. Stay informed and prepare for the changes ahead!
Determining if your product requires a FOP label
Use our Front of Pack Decision Tree to determine if your product requires a FOP symbol. A PDF link is included below.
