Food Labeling Requirements in Canada (+Additional Tips for Meat Industry)

The importance of accurate and informative food labeling cannot be overstated, especially for meat industry businesses in Canada.  In this blog, you’ll learn many of the crucial aspects businesses should know about labeling to stay compliant with the requirements at all times.

What is food labeling?

Food labeling is how food manufacturers display important information on food packages. This includes packaged meat products. This helps the consumer understand what is in the food they purchase. It includes details like the product name, ingredients, nutrition facts, and any important warnings such as allergens. For meat products, labels provide specific information about the processing and handling of the meat. This allows us to make informed choices about the meat we consume. Food labeling also promotes transparency in the meat processing industry in Canada.

What is required on food labels in Canada?

In Canada, food labels are subject to specific requirements to ensure consumer safety, transparency, and informed decision-making. Here are some key elements that are required to be included on food labels in Canada:

Product Name: The name of the food product should be clearly stated on the label.

List of Ingredients: A complete list of ingredients used in the product, with the most predominant ingredient listed first, is mandatory.

Allergen Information: Any allergens present in the food product must be identified on the label. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, wheat, eggs, fish, and shellfish.

Nutrition Facts: Food labels should provide standardized nutritional information, including the number of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, and key vitamins or minerals per serving.

Country of Origin: The label must indicate the country where the food product was produced or manufactured.

Bilingual Labelling: Canada’s official languages are English and French, so food labels must be presented in both languages.

Best Before Date: Perishable and semi-perishable foods should have a “best before” date to inform consumers of the product’s quality and freshness.

Handling and Storage Instructions: Labels may include instructions on proper handling and storage of the food product to maintain its quality and safety.

GMO Labelling: If the food product contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs) above a specified threshold, it must be clearly indicated on the label.

Nutrition and Health Claims: Any nutrition or health claims made on the label must be scientifically supported and comply with specific regulations.

Net Quantity: The quantity of the food product in the package, expressed in metric units, should be stated on the label.

Company Information: The name and address of the company responsible for the food product should be provided.

Exemptions to the Food Labeling Requirements in Canada

Certain products get a special pass from the obligatory labeling requirement in Canada, as stated by the FDR and SFCR:

• Individual one-bite confections, sold separately: However, if more than one individual one-bite confection is bundled in the same package, it will no longer qualify as a one-bite confection. Furthermore, regardless of their size, lollipops won’t be considered one-bite confections due to their stick, allowing them to be enjoyed in multiple bites.

• Fresh fruits or fresh vegetables wrapped with a band or wrapper less than 13 mm: For instance, think of fresh broccoli, asparagus, or rhubarb, which are commonly held together by twist ties or rubber bands.

• Fresh fruits or vegetables encased in transparent protective wrappers or bags: These display only limited information like price, bar code, number code, environmental statement, or product treatment symbol. Common examples of such protective packaging include English cucumbers, heads of lettuce or cauliflower, and bunches of grapes.

Labelling requirements for meat and poultry products in Canada

Meat Inspection Legends

Before meat products can be sold to consumers, they must undergo a comprehensive inspection process. This process includes examinations for wholesomeness and safety. Food inspections are conducted by provincial or federal inspectors at the establishments where the meat is processed and packaged. If the meat meets all the necessary requirements, the meat inspection legend is applied to the packaging to indicate its compliance with provincial or federal regulations.

The meat inspection legend plays a crucial role in ensuring that Canadian meat products are safe and of high quality. Consumers are advised to look for this legend on meat packaging to make informed choices and purchase products that have met the required inspection standards.

“Sell by”, “Prepared on”, “Freeze by”, “Manufactured on” Dates

“Sell by” dates, “prepared on” dates, “freeze by” dates, and “manufactured on” dates may be of value to the consumer or the manufacturer (e.g., lot codes) and therefore are not prohibited on food products, provided they are not misleading and the label meets appropriate requirements. However, they do not replace the requirements for “best before” dates, and any dating system that has the same intent as durable life information must follow the prescribed manner of declaration.

“Freeze by” Dates

It is acceptable to declare a “freeze by” date in addition to, and that is the same as, the “best before” date in a clear statement indicating that the product can be frozen if not consumed by the “best before” date.

For example: Best before / Meilleur avant or Freeze by / Congelez avant June 28 juin

Storage Instructions

Storage instructions are mandatory on edible meat products not considered shelf stable that require a “best before” date which consists of one of the following statements, whichever is applicable:

Keep refrigerated / Garder au Froid or Keep frozen / Garder congelé

Production Date or Lot Code

All meat products must be labeled with the production date or with a code identifying the production lot. This code or date of production must appear on the immediate container of prepackaged meat products or on a tag attached to it.

Nutrition Labeling

The Nutrition Facts table is mandatory for most prepackaged meat products. Prepackaged ground meat, ground meat by-products, ground poultry meat, and ground poultry meat by-products must always carry a Nutrition Facts table. The following products are exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table:

• raw, single-ingredient meat, meat by-products, poultry meat, and poultry by-products;
• foods sold only in the retail establishment where the product is prepared and processed, including products made from a pre-mix when an ingredient other than water is added to the pre-mix; and
• individual servings of foods that are sold for immediate consumption (e.g. sandwiches or ready-made salads), when these have not been subjected to a process or special packaging, such as modied atmosphere packaging, to extend their durable life.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with meat labeling regulations in Canada?

Non-compliance with meat labeling regulations in Canada can have serious consequences for individuals or businesses involved. The specific penalties and enforcement actions can vary based on the nature and severity of the violation, but some common consequences include:

Fines: Non-compliance may result in financial penalties imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The fines can vary depending on the nature and extent of the violation.

Product Recall: If the non-compliance involves a significant safety or health concern, the CFIA may order a product recall. This can be costly for businesses and damage their reputation.

Seizure of Products: Authorities may seize products that are found to be in violation of labeling regulations. This can lead to significant financial losses for the non-compliant party.

Legal Action: The CFIA can take legal action against individuals or businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with labeling regulations. This may lead to court proceedings and further penalties.

Suspension or Cancellation of License: For businesses involved in non-compliance, the CFIA may suspend or cancel their license to operate in the food industry.

Damage to Reputation: Non-compliance with labeling regulations can lead to negative publicity and harm a company’s reputation. Consumers may lose trust in the brand and avoid purchasing their products in the future.

Carlisle Food Labeling solutions

Carlisle Technology has been serving the meat industry for over 35 years. Our plant-floor weighing and labeling software was developed to help processors properly weigh and label meat products.

With Carlisle Technology’s integrated solutions, meat processing plants can reduce human errors, increase throughput, and streamline the entire labeling process. For more information on our weighing and labeling solutions go to http://qpr2.zheeer.com/icap.

Information Sources: 

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Labelling Requirements

Ontario Food Labelling Regulations

Written by: Can Malay, SEO Specialist – Carlisle Technology