Understanding Canada’s New Food Labelling Rules: What Importers and Retailers Need to Know

If you import food products into Canada or sell them at retail, the CFIA / Health Canada implementation plan for recent food‑labelling changes is something you cannot ignore. These changes introduce stricter and more transparent labelling requirements—especially around nutrition, health claims, and certain ingredients.

 

What’s Changing — Key Regulatory Updates:

  • Front‑of-Package (FOP) Nutrition Symbol:
    Products that are “high” in saturated fat, sugar, and/or sodium must display a new
    standardized nutrition symbol on the front of the package.
  • Limitations on Health & Nutrient Claims:
    New restrictions apply to health claims and nutrient content claims related to saturated
    fats, sugars, and sodium.
  • Repeal and Reference Shift:
    The old “table of nutrient content claims” is removed and instead referenced by name.
  • High-Intensity Sweeteners:
    Labelling rules for sweeteners like aspartame are aligned and standardized.
  • Partially Hydrogenated Oils:
    Updates reinforce the ban on partially hydrogenated oils (industrial trans fats).
  • Vitamin D Fortification:
    Fortification levels for vitamin D in cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and margarine are
    increasing.

Transition Timeline

Transition period ends December 31, 2025 —– Full compliance required January 1, 2026.

** Products made or imported before January 1, 2026, can remain on shelves, even if labels
are not compliant.

Why This Matters for Importers & Retailers

  • Potential label redesign costs
  • Claim restrictions may impact packaging
  • Ingredient‑specific requirements may apply
  • Increased regulatory enforcement after the transition
  • Inventory management considerations

What You Should Do Now

  1. Audit Your Current Labels
  2. Update Packaging Where Needed
  3. Train Internal Teams
  4. Manage Inventory Strategically
  5. Stay Informed via CFIA and Health Canada Guidance

For Canadian food importers and retailers, now is the time to audit, plan, and implement updated labels. Preparing early ensures compliance, reduces business risk, and aligns your products with evolving consumer expectations.

 

 

How Iron Apple Can Support You

Navigating new food-labelling regulations can be overwhelming—especially when importing products with varied formulations, ingredient statements, and claims. Iron Apple can support your business by:

  • Reviewing your current labels to identify potential compliance issues
  • Providing guidance on front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol requirements
  • Helping interpret Health Canada and CFIA regulations
  • Offering customized recommendations to ensure your labels meet all current standards.

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TALK WITH OUR CONSULTANTS

To learn more about the right next step for your company, please complete the form below to schedule a time to talk with one of our food safety consultants.

POSITIVE RESULTS ACROSS MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES

Prepare, retain, maintain and implement your preventive control plan (PCP) meeting requirements for activities related to food manufacturing, processing, and handlinge.  Centralized management for all of your compliance programs like preventive controls, good production practices, hazards analysis, operating procedures, employee training, and much more.

Our family owned and operated logistics company has been providing cold storage since 1955. Our forefathers have built a foundation to help us make this company to what it is today, passing down old fashion values and morals with it. We always take the best care of our customers, treating their product like it’s our own.  With 12 facilities equaling 625,000 square feet of refrigerated storage, Iron Apple’s program allows us to become compliant with all the new FSMA requirements.  Because of their programs and expertise GTS was able to exceed our customers’ expectations and upheld our commitment to our customers.

 

Brian J. Goelzer
Maintenance & Food Safety Manager
Glacier Transit & Storage Inc.