(Montreal) By 2026, Canada will require manufacturers of packaged foods to display a symbol on the front indicating that the food is high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium.
Posted at 2:11 p.m.
Ground meat will however be exempted from this labeling rule; Breeder groups had strongly opposed Health Canada’s proposal earlier this month.
Other foods, which have a “recognized benefit for the protection of the health of the whole population or vulnerable sub-populations”, are also exempt: vegetables and fruits whole or cut fresh, frozen, canned or dried milk, whole and 2% milk, eggs, and foods with a “healthy lipid profile,” such as vegetable oils, nuts, and fatty fish.
The new labels will supplement, but not replace, the more detailed nutrition information that is typically found on the back of food packaging. The label will feature a magnifying glass symbol, along with the statement “High in” saturated fat, sugars or sodium.
The government said the labeling was intended to help Canadians eat healthier by avoiding “nutrients of concern”.
“Evidence clearly shows that high consumption of saturated fat, sugars or sodium can contribute to the development of various diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity,” says Health Canada.
“These regulations are designed to make it easier for us to make informed and healthier choices,” said Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos at a press conference Thursday morning.
Health Canada said the new labels will complement, not replace, the Nutrition Facts table already displayed on the back of food packages.
In general, the new labels will be placed on prepackaged foods that meet or exceed 15% of the Daily Value for saturated fat, sugars or sodium. For prepackaged ready meals, the warnings will only apply to foods containing more than 30% of the recommended daily intake.
Ground meat
The proposed labels were at the center of controversy earlier this month when a group of farmers opposed the government’s plan to include warnings on minced meat.
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association argued that this policy would “denigrate” ground meat and lead consumers to believe that it is a less healthy choice than whole cuts of meat.
Health Canada has finally exempted ground meat from these new rules, even if it is high in fat or salt. The product was deemed beneficial to health despite the “nutrients of concern”.
“Canadian families rely on ground beef as a nutritious and affordable staple and an important contributor to food security,” said Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President Reg Schellenberg. We are pleased with Health Canada’s decision not to require a misleading warning label. »
Health Canada also exempts foods on which the nutrition symbol would be “redundant”, such as packages of sugar, honey, maple syrup, table and flavored salt, butter and other fats and oils.
The rules are due to come into effect in early 2026, which the government says will give businesses enough time to manage the costs of adjusting their packaging.
Health Canada will also limit the size of “optional health-related information,” such as labels that claim an item is “high in fiber.”