RG-12 Regulatory guidance: Labelling of livestock feeds

On this page

• 1.0 Introduction
• 2.0 Purpose
• 3.0 What is included
• 4.0 Roles and responsibilities
• 5.0 General labelling requirements
  • 5.1 Brand name
  • 5.2 Name of livestock feed
  • 5.3 Form of a livestock feed
  • 5.4 Directions for use
  • 5.5 Guaranteed analysis
  • 5.6 List of ingredients
  • 5.7 Name and address of feed manufacturer
  • 5.8 Identification code (lot number)
  • 5.9 Net amount
  • 5.10 Prohibited material (PM) statement
  • 5.11 Caution statements and warning statements
  • 5.12 Claims
  • 5.13 Useful information on a livestock feed label
  • 5.14 Language(s) on a livestock feed label
• 6.0 Additional labelling requirements
  • 6.1 SIF labelling statements
  • 6.2 Permissible statements and logos
  • 6.3 Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)/Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) labelling requirements
  • 6.4 Other Canadian legislative and regulatory statements
  • 6.5 Statements and notes
• 7.0 Livestock feed-specific labelling requirements
  • 7.1 Medicated feeds
  • 7.2 Custom medicated feeds
  • 7.3 Mixed feeds containing non-feed products
  • 7.4 Mixed feeds containing pest control products
  • 7.5 Customer formula feeds
  • 7.6 Imported livestock feeds
  • 7.7 Livestock feeds for export
  • 7.8 Registered livestock feeds
• Appendix 1

1.0 Introduction

The Feeds Regulations, 2024 were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II (CGII) and came into force on July 3, 2024. To provide stakeholders time to adjust to the new and amended regulatory requirements, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has set up a 12-month transitional period for certain requirements as well as a staggered coming into force approach for others, over a period of 18 months.

The labelling requirements outlined in the Feeds Regulations, 2024 have been updated and have come into effect immediately. However, a 12-month transition period (until June 17, 2025) has been provided. During this time, livestock feed labels are to comply with either the requirements outlined in the Feeds Regulations, 2024 (sections 44 to 54) or the requirements outlined in the Feeds Regulations, 1983 (sections 24, and 26 to 33). This provides time for existing labels to be used in the marketplace and for livestock feed businesses to transition from the Feeds Regulations, 1983 to the Feeds Regulations, 2024. Livestock feed businesses cannot use a combination of both new and previous labelling requirements on the same livestock feed label during the transition period. After the 12-month transition period, only the labelling requirements described in the Feeds Regulations, 2024 must be met.

Under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, all livestock feeds that are manufactured, sold or imported into Canada must have a label attached to it or to the package containing it. Under section 2 of the Feeds Act, a label is defined and includes any legend, word, mark, symbol or design applied or attached to, included in, belonging to or accompanying any feed or package.

If the livestock feed is shipped in bulk, the label can be attached to, included in, or belonging to any document such as an invoice, shipping bill, bill of lading or statement of account, that is delivered with the bulk shipment. A soft copy of the label may be provided via email for livestock feed shipped in bulk. For bulk feed, if a separate label is not provided, an invoice, bill of lading, etc. can be considered a label or a part of the label. Similarly, the bag or packaging to which a label is attached to can be considered part of the label.

The requirements for livestock feed labels are governed by the legislative authorities in the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024, the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations(as it relates to livestock feed containing prohibited material (PM)), and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (as it relates to organic feed products), to ensure basic and essential information is conveyed to the purchaser and to avoid any misleading or deceiving information or unapproved claims. Regulating livestock feed labels helps ensure a fair and levelled playing field for the Canadian feed industry.

Labels play an important role in the safe and proper use of livestock feeds. Proper labelling allows a purchaser to distinguish 1 livestock feed from another, to make an informed decision, and to convey information on what the livestock feed is and how it is to be used. Livestock feeds which are not labelled or do not have the appropriate information on the label may be unintentionally used in an unsafe manner which may result in animal health, human health or environmental safety concerns.

2.0 Purpose

This document is intended to provide detailed information on the labelling requirements for livestock feeds under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, and applies to both livestock feeds that require registration and those that are exempt from registration. This document includes all of the general labelling requirements and information for specific types of livestock feed.

3.0 What is included

This document provides information on:

• general labelling requirements for single ingredient feeds (SIFs) and mixed feeds
• additional labelling requirements that can be found on livestock feed labels
• specific labelling requirements for certain livestock feed types

4.0 Roles and responsibilities

Stakeholders that conduct livestock feed-related activities are responsible for complying with the applicable requirements in the Feeds Regulations, 2024. They must demonstrate compliance by ensuring that their livestock feeds meet all regulatory requirements, including labelling and standards.

The CFIA verifies the compliance of a livestock feed business by conducting activities that include inspections and surveillance. When a non-compliance is identified, the CFIA takes appropriate compliance and enforcement actions.

5.0 General labelling requirements

All livestock feeds manufactured, sold or imported into Canada must meet the general labelling requirements. This includes mixed feeds and SIFs whether they require approval, registration, or are exempt from registration.

A livestock feed label provides information on:

• the type or purpose of livestock feed (for example, complete feed, premix, supplement, etc.)
• the type and class of livestock species to which the livestock feed is to be fed (for example, starter swine, broiler chickens, lactating dairy cattle, etc.)
• the nutritional content of the livestock feed
• instructions to the purchaser on how to use the livestock feed
• any necessary safety information with regards to animal health and/or human health (for example, medicating ingredients, prohibited material, etc.)

General display of information

Any information required to be shown on a label must be printed conspicuously and legibly. A label must not contain any variation in the character, size, colour or placement of the printing that obscures or emphasizes any part of the information required to be shown on it unless such variation is to draw attention to the caution or warning statements required to be shown on a label (subsection 49(3)).

Any information required to be shown on a label must appear on the principal display panel. The principal display panel is the part of the label applied to all or part of any side or surface of the livestock feed or package that is displayed or visible under normal or customary conditions of sale or use. The only exception to this is with respect to the directions for use, guaranteed analysis statement and list of ingredients which may be provided on an insert that is enclosed in or attached to the package. However, there must be a reference on the principal display panel that states where that additional information is located. In addition, the identification code (also referred to as the lot number) may appear anywhere on the label or package as long as it is clearly indicated. Substituting any required displayed information with a machine-readable format, such as a QR code or bar code, is not permitted on the label itself.

For each of the following general labelling requirements below, information is provided for both SIFs and mixed feeds, where applicable.

• 5.1 Brand name
• 5.2 Name of livestock feed
• 5.3 Form of a livestock feed
• 5.4 Directions for use
• 5.5 Guaranteed analysis
• 5.6 List of ingredients
• 5.7 Name and address of feed manufacturer
• 5.8 Identification code (lot number)
• 5.9 Net amount
• 5.10 Prohibited material (PM) statement
• 5.11 Caution statements and warning statements
• 5.12 Claims
• 5.13 Useful information on a livestock feed label
• 5.14 Language(s) on a livestock feed label

5.1 Brand name

Location: the brand name is optional information to have on a label and may appear anywhere on the principal display panel. Usually the brand name precedes the name of the livestock feed.

Description: brand name means any distinctive mark or trade name, apart from the name of the livestock feed, that is applied to a livestock feed label by the manufacturer, registrant or vendor to distinguish it from another feed. For example, Fairview poultry supplement or Pam's beef cattle premix.

Purpose: if the brand name is present, it should not deceive or mislead a purchaser with respect to the composition, intended purpose, or the usefulness of the livestock feed. In addition, it must not make any unapproved claims or imply a claim unless the livestock feed is registered or the claim is set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels (subsection 47(c)). This includes the use of acronyms or abbreviations.

General requirements

• if 2 livestock feeds from the same manufacturer have identical names, but different guaranteed levels of protein, the brand names must be different or the protein content must form part of the name of each livestock feed
• a brand name can be the same for multiple livestock feeds manufactured within a company provided that the following conditions are met:
  • a brand name cannot be the same as a brand name that is already on a registered livestock feed label by another registrant
  • multiple livestock feeds cannot have the same combination of a brand name and name
  • the brand name, name, or both must contain additional information to distinguish between the different livestock feeds (for example, a product code, pellet sizes for fish feeds, concentrations/values of vitamins in diluted vitamin products)

5.2 Name of livestock feed

Location: the name of a livestock feed must appear on the principal display panel of the label. It is usually found at the top of the label.

Description: the name of the mixed feed must contain the intended purpose as well as the type and class of livestock species (subsection 51(1) and (2)). It is mandatory labelling requirement.

Purpose: the name of the livestock feed must not be deceiving, misleading, make or imply a claim unless the claim is approved by the CFIA via the pre-market evaluation process, or is set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels.

The purpose for which the livestock feed was manufactured (for example, premix, complete feed, supplement, mineral feed, trace mineral salt feed, medicated customer formula feed, anticaking agent, etc.) must be appropriate for the intended use of the livestock feed and indicated on the label.

General requirements

• the name of the livestock feed must also contain the intended species (for example, swine, poultry, cattle, horse, etc.) and class (for example, finisher swine, laying hens, lactating dairy cattle, breeder turkeys, calves, etc.) of livestock species (subsection 51(2))
• the name may contain the term "livestock" if the feed is for all livestock species regulated under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 and suitable for all types and classes of livestock, please refer to the labelling on livestock species for additional information
• the use of terms such as "layers", "starter", "broilers", "breeders" or "dairy" may be applicable to several livestock species
  • it is important to state the species in addition to these terms; for example, layer chickens, starter swine, broiler chickens, turkey breeders, dairy cattle, etc.
• if the livestock feed is labelled for "breeders", it must be suitable for all classes of livestock intended for breeding, male or female
  • for example, if a livestock feed label is labelled for turkey breeders, it must be suitable for layer breeder turkeys, broiler breeder turkeys, tom breeder turkeys, etc.
• if a livestock feed is labeled for "poultry", it must be suitable for all classes of chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks
• if a livestock feed is labeled for "ruminants", it must be suitable for all classes of dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and sheep
• the term "terrestrial livestock" means all classes of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, poultry and rabbits
• the term "fish" means all classes of finfish intended for human consumption
  • for example, salmonids (salmon, trout), cichlids (tilapia), anoplopomatids (sablefish), percids (perch), pleuronectids (halibut, sole), etc.
• the name of the livestock feed may also include the form of the feed (for example, block, mash, pellet, etc.), refer to the livestock feed forms for more information

Additional requirements

There are some additional naming requirements that pertain to SIFs and mixed feeds.

SIFs

• for SIFs, the name must include 1 of the names approved and set out for that SIF in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT) (subsection 51(7))
• the name of the livestock feed for SIFs can also include the purpose and the type and class of livestock species as useful information
  • for example, "calcium bentonite, an anti-caking agent for dairy cattle feeds" or "vitamin A for livestock"

Mixed feeds

• if the mixed feed is a premix, the word "premix" must be part of its name (subsection 51(4))
• if the mixed feed is a supplement, the word "supplement" must be part of its name (subsection 51(5))
• if the mixed feed is a customer formula feed, the words "customer formula feed" must be part of its name (subsection 51(6))
• if 2 livestock mixed feeds from the same manufacturer have identical names, but different guaranteed levels of protein, their brand name must be different or the protein content must form part of each name of the livestock feed (subsection 51(3))
• if the mixed feed contains a SIF (for example, vitamin A) with more than 1 carrier to dilute the concentration of the active SIF (that is, diluted SIFs), it would be acceptable for the name of the feed to be 1 of the names approved and set out in the CFIT and include "on carriers" or "with carriers" or include "diluted" in the name
• if there are mixed feeds (diluted SIFs) from the same manufacturer that have identical names but contain different concentrations/dilutions of the active SIF, the name of the livestock feed or the brand name would need to be different to distinguish between the different dilutions
• if the mixed feed contains a SIF with more than 1 facilitating agent (which are approved for the intended livestock species, do not exceed the maximum inclusion rates, approved for its intended purpose, etc.), it would be acceptable for the name of the livestock feed to be 1 of the names approved and set out in the CFIT
• the name of the mixed feed must contain the type (for example, mineral feed, complete feed, premix, etc.) or purpose (for example, antioxidant, pelleting aid, preservative, forage additive, etc.) of the livestock feed

5.3 Form of a livestock feed

Location: the form of the livestock feed is optional information and may appear anywhere on the principal display panel, including as part of the name of the livestock feed.

Description: the form of a livestock feed indicates the physical configuration or appearance of it such as pelleted or mash.

Purpose: the form of a livestock feed is part of the identification or characterization of it and provides useful information when present on a label. If the form is present on any livestock feed label, it should not be deceiving, misleading or make any unapproved claims.

General requirements

• if the SIF description in the CFIT contains a standardized statement regarding the form of the SIF, such as "If the product bears a name descriptive of the form (for example, pelleted), it shall correspond thereto and it may be indicated on the label." the form of the SIF may be indicated on the label
• the different forms of livestock feed that may be added on labels are found and described in the livestock feed forms

5.4 Directions for use

Location: directions for use may appear on the principal display panel of the label, or may be provided as an insert if there is reference on the principal display panel to where this information is located.

Description: the directions for use is a set of information sufficient to permit the safe and effective use of a livestock feed. It is a mandatory labelling requirement.

Purpose: directions for use allow the livestock feed to be used for its intended purpose on targeted livestock species.

General requirements

• the directions for use need to be detailed enough to permit a purchaser with no special knowledge to use the livestock feed safely and appropriately (subsection 45(1)(f))
• a label may have 1 or more directions on the label
  • for example, a premix may have mixing directions to make a supplement as well as another set of mixing directions to make a complete feed
  • if a label has multiple directions for use for 1 targeted livestock species none of the different directions for use may result in the nutrient levels exceeding the maximum nutrient values set out in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds to assess compliance
  • for medicated feeds, all directions for use on the label must result in the same level of medicating ingredient being supplied to the livestock species
• a label can have different directions for use for different targeted livestock species (for example, different amounts to be fed for swine vs. poultry) or different classes of 1 livestock species (for example, different amounts to be fed to starter swine vs. finisher swine)
• in the case of a livestock feed whose sodium content (for example, trace mineral salt feeds) is designed to limit or regulate its intake by beef cattle or sheep, the label must indicate that adequate water must be provided to the animals (subsection 45(1)(f)(i))
  • for other pastured livestock (for example, horses, goats) it is recommended to add this statement to the label as useful information

Additional requirements

There are some additional requirements for directions for use that pertain to SIFs and mixed feeds.

SIFs

• SIFs that have any required labelling statements such as directions for use or have restrictions on use indicated in the CFIT, must show them on the SIF label
  • for example, if the SIF has a maximum inclusion rate allowed in the total diet, or the SIF is only approved for use in complete feeds for certain livestock species that information should appear as part of the directions for use on the label
• if the SIF is approved for multiple purposes, its directions for use should reflect the intended purposes of adding it to a livestock feed
  • for example, a SIF approved for multiple purposes can have a label that includes all purposes for which it is approved, some of the purposes or just 1 purpose

Mixed feeds

• for mixed feeds, it is essential to state in the directions for use how the mixed feed is supposed to be used as well as the amount, or estimated intake of the manufactured livestock feed to inform the purchaser on the use of it
  • for example: mix 5 kg of this premix with corn grain and canola meal to make a complete feed for dairy cattle; then feed the complete feed at 3 kg per head per day
• for free-choice livestock feeds (for example mineral feeds, supplement blocks, trace mineral salt feeds, etc.), the directions for use should include an estimated daily intake (expressed as grams or kilograms per head per day)
  • for example: feed this free-choice supplement block at a rate of 1 container per 20 to 30 head of cattle, consumption will typically range from 100 to 350 grams per head per day
• for mixed feeds, the directions for use and the guaranteed analysis for nutrients on the label are used in combination with other SIFs and/or mixed feeds to estimate the level of nutrients in the total diet of the livestock species
  • the nutrient levels in the total diet are compared to maximum nutrient values set out in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds to assess compliance
  • when the mixed feed is fed as per the directions for use, the nutrients in the livestock total diet must not exceed the maximum nutrient values specified for each livestock species in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds
• for livestock feeds that contain both selenium and medicating ingredients, the directions for use should ensure that it reflects both the level of the medicating ingredient, and level of selenium is below the maximum selenium value stated in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds for the different body weights of livestock found on the label
• if the mixed feed contains a SIF (for example, vitamin A) with carriers to dilute the concentration of the active SIF (that is, diluted SIFs), the directions for use would be different depending on the concentration/dilution of the active SIF, and the guaranteed amount of the active SIF in the guaranteed analysis
• if the mixed feed contains a SIF with facilitating agents (which are approved for the intended livestock species, do not exceed the maximum inclusion rates, approved for its intended purpose, etc.), the directions for use would be similar to the directions found on the label of that particular SIF
• if a livestock feed is a premix, the directions for use must indicate how the premix is to be further mixed with SIFs and/or mixed feeds to make a supplement or a complete feed
  • a premix cannot be fed directly to livestock or offered free-choice
• if a premix or supplement has mixing directions on the label (or mixing directions on the formulation) to make a complete feed with SIFs and/or other mixed feeds, those SIFs must be approved and have names similar to those found in the CFIT, or brand names/product name of mixed feeds so that the purchaser knows what SIFs and/or mixed feeds to mix their product with
• the directions of use for a supplement may indicate to mix it with SIFs and/or mixed feeds to make a complete feed, or to feed free-choice with an estimate of the expected daily feed intake stated on the label
• if a livestock feed is a complete feed, the directions for do not have further mixing directions or require dilution
• directions for use (feeding rates) for ruminants, horses and rabbits feeds are assumed to be on an "as fed" basis unless the label indicates that it is on a "dry matter (DM)" basis
• for livestock feeds that are to be fed to ruminants, horses and rabbits with forages, the directions for use should also include an estimate of the daily dry matter intake (DMI) of the livestock expressed as per head per day (for example, 21 kg DM/head/day for a lactating dairy cow) or as percent body weight of the animal (for example, feed 1.6 kg of this product together with good quality alfalfa forages to 600 kg mature breeding bulls consuming 2% BW on DM basis or 12 kg DM/head/day)
  • the amount and type of forages to be used may also be added to the directions for use to enable the estimation of the DMI potentially coming from forages, so that the total nutrient levels in the total diet (on DM basis) can be estimated and compared to the values in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds
• multiple DMIs for different body weights of cattle (for example) may appear in the directions for use section of the label as shown below.

  Animal weight (kg)	DMI (kg/day)	Breeding cattle bull ration (kg)
  500	10	1.4
  600	12	1.6
  700	14	1.8

• for liquid livestock feeds, the following additional statements are required as part of the directions for use on the label:
  • the label for a liquid livestock feed is to contain a weight per unit volume statement.
  • the reference point temperature for the volumetric measurement is 20ºC (that is, "Density at 20°C = ___kg/L.")
  • for liquid livestock feeds which do not stay in suspension for up to 60 days, the following statement is required "This product must be agitated while being dispensed or fed"
• in addition, the label must also have the following statement: "The viscosity of this product will vary inversely with temperature"

5.5 Guaranteed analysis

Location: the guaranteed analysis may appear on the principal display panel of the label or may be provided as an insert, if there is a reference on the principal display panel to where this information is located.

Description: the guaranteed analysis is a mandatory labelling requirement that provides the user with information about the nutritional content of a feed.

Purpose: all sources of nutrients purportedly present are to be guaranteed to convey the nutrient composition of the livestock feed, especially when the list of ingredients is not shown on the label. Unless otherwise stated on the label, the guaranteed analysis is based on how the livestock feed would normally be fed (that is, an "as fed" basis - without removal of the moisture content) (subsection 53(2)).

General requirements

The general requirements that pertain to SIFs and mixed feeds are described below.

SIFs

For SIFs, the label must contain all of the required guarantees that are specified for that SIF in in the CFIT. If the SIF label has other guarantees not set out in the CFIT, it must be registered.

Optional guarantees, which are set out in table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels, are only allowed on labels for mixed feeds.

Mixed feeds - Nutrient guarantees

• the guaranteed analysis for a mixed feed, other than a specialty feed, must include the significant nutrients from all SIF sources that have been intentionally added in the formulation of the mixed feed
• table 1 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels indicates which guarantees are required (mandatory) on a particular label based on the type of mixed feed and the conditions under which they are to be added (subsection 52(1))
• table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels provides a list of optional guarantees that may be added to the label if they are relevant to the mixed feed type without triggering registration (subsection 52(2))
• adding optional guarantees should not modify the purpose of the livestock feed
  • for example, a mineral feed cannot contain sources of fat, so an optional guarantee for maximum percent crude fat for this type of mixed feed would not be acceptable
• table 1 and table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels indicate the units that each guarantee must be expressed in
• guarantees on a mixed feed label not appearing in table 1 or table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels would require that mixed feed to be registered
• for mixed feeds, the guaranteed analysis for nutrients as well as the directions for use on the label are used in combination to determine the level of nutrient that the mixed feed will provide to livestock
  • the nutrient levels in the mixed feed are then compared to maximum nutrient values in the total diet set out in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds to assess compliance
• in the case of a mixed feed that is in the form of an individual serving (for example daily serving of individual pieces in a horse treat), the guaranteed analysis statement may include an indication of the amount per individual serving of each guaranteed nutrient (subsection 53(1))
• for customer formula feeds, the guaranteed analysis is not required on the label unless it is a custom medicated customer formula feed

Specialty feeds – guarantees other than nutrients

Specialty feeds are a type of mixed feed that does not provide any significant nutritional value, but are added to livestock feeds for a technical purpose (that is, has a purpose other than providing nutrients). Some examples of specialty feeds include anticaking agents, antioxidants, pelleting aids, mould inhibitors, forage additives, gut modifiers, flavouring agents, etc.

• specialty feeds often contain guarantees that are non-nutritional for the active ingredients or SIFs that are providing the technical function to the livestock feed
  • for example, guarantee for ethoxyquin as an antioxidant, or guarantee for propionic acid as a forage additive
• specialty feed labels may contain a guaranteed analysis, and is usually 1 of the conditions for that approved claim as set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels
• any other guarantees on the label would require the specialty feed to be registered

Additional information

The following provides some additional information when there is a guarantee for certain nutrients on the label.

Selenium guarantee

• livestock feeds that require a guarantee for selenium must include it in the guaranteed analysis
• the level of selenium in the total diet is not to exceed the maximum selenium values as set out in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds
• selenium guarantees will be assessed the same as other nutrients under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 as indicated in the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels
• free-choice supplement blocks with selenium guarantees for lactating or dry cows do not require registration provided they meet the requirements and conditions as set out in the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels and meet all other exemption from registration criteria.
• however, free-choice supplements containing selenium should have useful information in the form of notes or statements to formulate it properly and to avoid its overfeeding
  • in addition, the estimated daily intake is to be stated on the label

Salt guarantee

• guarantees for salt in addition to sodium are allowed on mixed feed labels as long as they meet the conditions set out in the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels and the sodium levels do not exceed the maximum sodium values in the Tables of maximum nutrient values for feeds

Fibre guarantee

• a guarantee for fibre can be expressed as crude fibre (CF) or acid detergent fibre (ADF) for certain mixed feed types as set out in table 1 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels
• optional guarantees for ADF or neutral detergent fibre (NDF) are allowed on mixed feeds, as long as the conditions for these are met as set out in table 2 of Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels
• a mixed feed label containing fibre guarantees (CF, ADF or NDF) would not trigger that mixed feed to be registered as long as it meets the condition for these guarantees as set out in the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels

Amino acid guarantee

• guarantees for specified amino acids (for example, lysine) are allowed on mixed feed labels as optional guarantees as long as the conditions set out in table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels are met

• the guaranteed analysis on a mixed feed label cannot guarantee "amino acids" but instead it must guarantee specific amino acids

Beta-carotene guarantee

• a guarantee for beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A) is allowed on mixed feed labels as an optional guarantee as long as the conditions set out in table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels are met
  • if not all conditions are met, this would trigger registration
• if a beta-carotene guarantee is added on a label the label must also have a vitamin A guarantee that indicates that it includes vitamin A activity from beta-carotene
  • for example: vitamin A (minimum) 200,000 International Units (IU)/kilogram* (*includes vitamin A activity from beta-carotene) in addition to the beta-carotene guarantee (minimum of 100 mg/kg)
• the following conversion factors can be used to determine vitamin A activity from beta-carotene in a livestock feed:

  Livestock species	Vitamin A activity from 1 milligram of beta-carotene
  Poultry	1,667 IU
  Swine	149 IU
  Cattle	400 IU
  Sheep	681 IU
  Horses	400 IU

Vitamin guarantees for ruminants and horses

Guarantees for vitamins other than vitamins A, D, E (for example, the B vitamins, vitamin K), are allowed on labels for ruminants and horses as optional guarantees as long as the conditions set out in table 2 of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels are met.

Other nutrient guarantees (not found in Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels)

• mixed feed labels that have guarantees for nutrients not found in table 1 (mandatory guarantees) or in table 2 (optional guarantees) of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels, such as omega-3 fatty acids, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D₃, or amino acid analogs, require registration

• a guarantee for crystalline 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ on labels of complete feeds and supplements for drinking water for chickens and turkeys, and complete feeds for swine, will trigger registration
  • the vitamin D₃ guarantee on the label must include the sum total of the vitamin D₃ activity from animal sterol irradiated (D-activated animal sterol), vitamin D₃, and also crystalline 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃
  • the amount of vitamin D₃ activity supplied by crystalline 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ will depend upon the label guarantee of each registered source
  • currently, the only approved and registered source of crystalline 25-hydroxyvitamin-D₃ supplies the following activity: 1 mg of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ is equivalent to 40,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D₃ activity per kilogram
• amino acid analogs such as DL-methionine hydroxyl analogue (MHB, MHA or 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio-butanoic acid) may be used as an alternative source of methionine activity in livestock feeds and will require registration if guaranteed on the label since the guarantee for amino acid analogs, such as DL-methionine hydroxyl analog, are not found in table 2 (optional guarantees) of the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels
  • if the livestock feed contains an amino acid analog such as MHB as a source of supplemental methionine activity, the presence of it must be indicated on the label beside the methionine guarantee (for example, "This feed contains MHB as a source of supplemental methionine") to ensure appropriate information is available to verify label guarantees
  • a guarantee for minimum % MHB may also appear on the registered label
• mixed feeds containing registered sources of other nutrients not found in the Tables of nutrient guarantees and conditions for feed labels may be exempt from registration as long as there is no reference to the SIF in the name of the livestock feed, guaranteed analysis or any claim being made on the label, except in the list of ingredients where the approved name of the SIF and its valid registration number may appear, and all other criteria for exemption from registration under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 are met

5.6 List of ingredients

Location: the list of ingredients may appear on the principal display panel of the label or may be provided as an insert, if there is a reference on the principal display panel to where this information is located.

Description: the list of ingredients, a mandatory labelling requirement, is the list of approved single ingredient feeds and/or registered feeds that are used in the manufacture of the resulting labelled feed.

Purpose: the list of ingredients is essential information to provide a description of the feed and to maintain proper nutrition of livestock.

General requirements

The general requirements for the list of ingredients are different for SIFs and mixed feeds.

SIFs

• carriers, antioxidants, pelleting aids, anticaking agents, etc. must be included on the list of ingredients of a SIF label when the CFIT description for that SIF indicates so
  • for example, the description for vitamin A indicates that carriers and antioxidants must be listed on the SIF label
• carriers, antioxidants, etc. used in the manufacture of the SIF must be approved for use in the livestock feeds, shall be used at the approved rate, and the common name(s) shall be indicated on the label

Mixed feeds

• the label must contain the name of each SIF used in the formulation of the mixed feed or the following statement: A list of the ingredients used in this feed may be obtained from the manufacturer or registrant (subsection 45(2))
• all SIFs used in a mixed feed must be approved and listed in the CFIT
• if the label includes the full list of ingredients, the SIFs that are present in the livestock feed must be identified by 1 of their approved names as stated in the CFIT
• if a mixed feed contains a part 2 SIF, it must come from a registered source, and the valid registration number must appear after 1 of the approved names for that SIF in parentheses (for example, crystalline astaxanthin (Reg. # 89XXXX))
• if a mixed feed contains a registered mixed feed (for example, a premix), instead of listing each of the ingredients in the registered feed, the name of the registered feed in the list of ingredients may appear immediately followed by the valid registration number of it in parenthesis (for example, ABC Vitamin Premix for Dairy Cattle (Reg.# 53XXXX))
  • for feeds manufactured in Canada, the embedded vitamin D and vitamin E can be identified in the list of ingredients as vitamin D registered source and vitamin E registered source without indicating the registration number however, the registration number for these vitamins must be provided upon request
  • for imported feeds, the embedded vitamin D and vitamin E must be indicated by their registration numbers in the list of ingredients
  • collective terms like "animal by-products" or "cereal grain by-products" are not permitted
  • terms like antioxidants, flavouring agent or preservatives are allowed in the list of ingredients when that is the feed name and as long as the valid registration number follows in parenthesis (for example, antioxidant (Reg.# 99XXXX))
  • for imported mixed feeds, if the list of ingredients is not on the label, a separate document containing it is required to accompany the application for registration
• if a mixed feed contains a non-registered mixed feed in the list of ingredients, the name of each SIF found in the non-registered mixed feed must appear on the label, or the following reference statement "A list of the ingredients used in this feed may be obtained from the manufacturer or registrant" must be included
• if the mixed feed contains a SIF (for example, vitamin A) with carriers to dilute the concentration of the active SIF (that is, diluted SIFs), the list of ingredients would include the active SIF as well as carriers (the approved names of carriers as set out in the CFIT) used to dilute it
• if the mixed feed contains a SIF with facilitating agents (which are approved for the intended livestock species, do not exceed the maximum inclusion rates, approved for its intended purpose, etc.), the list of ingredients would include the SIF as well as names of those facilitating agents (the approved names of facilitating agents as set out in the CFIT)
• if a livestock feed contains a claim on the label that is set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels, the requirement to list the ingredients may be specified in the label conditions for that approved claim
• all specialty feeds which require registration must provide the list of ingredients on the livestock feed label
• the list of ingredients must not highlight in any way any SIFs within the mixed feed unless it follows the conditions set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels, or the mixed feed is registered with the highlighted SIF in the name of the livestock feed
• if the name of the SIFs are not listed on the label of a mixed feed (subsection 46(1)), any purchaser may make a written request to the manufacturer or registrant to obtain their names within 2 years after the day on which that mixed feed is manufactured
• for customer formula feeds, the list of ingredients or the following statement "A list of the ingredients used in this feed may be obtained from the manufacturer or registrant" are not required on the label

5.7 Name and address of feed manufacturer

Location: the name and address of a feed manufacturer must appear on the principal display panel of the label.

Description: name means the name of the manufacturer of a livestock feed or the person who caused it to be manufactured. Address means the particulars of the place where the livestock feed business is situated. The name and address of the manufacturer of the livestock feed is a mandatory labelling requirement.

Purpose: the name and address on the label provides the contact information for the livestock feed business responsible for the livestock feed. This contact information will be the first point of contact by the purchaser or the CFIA to follow up if there are questions about the livestock feed.

General requirements for non-registered feeds (including medicated feeds)

• the name and address must be the name of the manufacturer of a livestock feed or the person who caused it to be manufactured
  • this does not have to be the actual place where the livestock feed was manufactured
  • this may be the head office, the sales or marketing department, a third party supplier, etc.
• the name of the town or city and the province must appear as a minimum on the label
• if there are multiple names and addresses on the label, one must indicate which name and address is the registrant (for example, Registered by: followed by the name and address), manufacturer (for example, Manufactured by: followed by the name and address), importer (for example, Imported by: followed by the name and address), etc.

General requirements for registered feeds

• for registered feeds the name and address of the registrant (that is, the company who has registered the livestock feed) must appear on the label
  • the registrant's name and address must be the legal name and address that are validated by the CFIA

General requirements for imported livestock feeds

• for imported feeds, the phrase "imported by" or "imported for" followed by the name and address (principal place of business) of the person in Canada for whom the livestock feed was manufactured for resale must appear on the label unless the geographical origin of the (for example, manufactured in the U.S.) is indicated

5.8 Identification code (lot number)

Location: the identification code does not need to appear on the principal display panel but may appear anywhere on the label or package as long as it is clearly indicated and does not restrict other information on the label.

Description: the identification code (commonly referred to as the lot number) is a mandatory labelling requirement which refers to a code that can be used to identify a lot that was manufactured, stored, packaged or labelled. An identification code can be numeric, alphabetic or alphanumeric, the production date or expiry date.

Purpose: the identification code is 1 of the key pieces of information required to ensure traceability of livestock feeds. The Health of Animals Regulations have required identification codes (lot numbers) on livestock feeds since 2007.

General requirements

• all livestock feeds must have an identification code or lot number on the label
• the identification code may appear anywhere on the label or packaging or on any accompanying documents for bulk livestock feed
• manufacturers are responsible for determining what they consider to be an individual lot or what constitutes a single lot for each of their livestock feeds
• for bulk SIFs such as meat and bone meal (MBM), the manufacturer may decide an appropriate lot size for their business practices however the usual approach is that a day's production is 1 lot

5.9 Net amount

Location: the net amount must appear on the principal display panel of the label for bagged livestock feeds. If the livestock feed is shipped in bulk, the net amount may appear on the invoice, bill of lading, etc.

Description: net amount is the total amount expressed in mass or volume of a livestock feed contained in a package or shipment. It is a mandatory labelling requirement.

Purpose: the net amount is required to inform customers about the quantity of the livestock feed that they are purchasing/receiving.

General requirements

• the net amount must be expressed in International Systems of Units (SI) (for example, kilograms) in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act
• the label may also include units of measurement from other systems, such as imperial units
  • the quantities expressed in other units must be equivalent to the quantities expressed in SI units (subsection 54(2))
• if more than 1 units of measurement are indicated on the label does, the order of these does not matter
• if the net amount for a bulk feed appears on a document other than the label (such as the invoice, bill of lading, etc.) and the bulk feed also has a separate label it is recommended, but not mandatory, that the label refer to the location where the net amount can be found
• in the case of a package of livestock feed containing individual servings, it may be expressed as the number of units in the package and the mass or volume for each unit (subsection 45(1)(d)(ii)) (for example, 10 x 200 grams)

5.10 Prohibited material (PM) statement

Location: the prohibited material statement must appear on the principal display panel of the label in both English and French.

Description: the prohibited material statement is a mandatory labelling requirement. Prohibited material means anything that is or contains any protein that originated from a mammal, other than:

• a porcine or equine
• milk or products of milk
• gelatin derived exclusively from hides or skins or products of gelatin derived exclusively from hides or skins
• blood or products of blood; or
• rendered fats, derived from ruminants that contain no more than 0.15% insoluble impurities or their products (Health of Animals Regulations, subsection 162(1))

Purpose: the prohibited material statement serves as a measure to comply with the prohibition to feed proteins derived from mammals to ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer
General requirements

• any livestock feed that is prohibited material or may contain prohibited material must include the following statement, as written, in both English and French on the label
  • "Feeding this product to cattle, sheep, deer or other ruminants is illegal and is subject to fines or other punishment under the Health of Animals Act. / Il est interdit d’en nourrir les boeufs, moutons, cerfs et autres ruminants et des amendes ou autres peines sont prévues à cet égard par la Loi sur la santé des animaux."

5.11 Caution statements and warning statements

Location: caution statements and warning statements must appear on the principal display panel of the label and must appear in both English and French (subsection 48(1)(b)).

Description: caution and warning statements are mandatory labelling requirements.

Caution statement means a statement concerning animal health hazards or safe product handling or storage. Any caution statement on a label must appear after the headings "Caution" and "Précaution" and be clearly separated from other information on the label.

Warning statement means a statement concerning human health hazards. Any warning statement on a label must appear after the headings "Warning" and "Mise en garde" and be clearly separated from other information on the label.

Purpose: caution and warning statements provide purchasers/users with important health and safety information related to the use of a livestock feed that could impact human and/or animal health.

General requirements

• any required caution and warning statements set out in the SIF descriptions in the CFIT must appear on the SIF label in both official languages
• if a mixed feed contains any SIFs that have caution and/or warning statements in their description in the CFIT, these statements must appear on the label for that mixed feed in both official languages
• if a mixed feed contains a registered SIF or registered mixed feed which has caution and/or warning statements on its label, these statements must be transferred onto the label for that mixed feed in both official languages

5.12 Claims

Location: when present on a label, claims must appear on the principal display panel.

Description: a claim is not a mandatory labelling requirement. A claim is considered to be any representation which states, suggests, or implies that a SIF or a mixed feed has particular characteristics relating to its origin, nutritional properties, nature, purpose, production, processing, quality or composition, or any characteristics that are related to animal productivity, animal health, food characteristics, food quality or the environment. Claims may also be found as a statement, an acronym or an abbreviation on a label.

Purpose: claims provide the user or purchaser of the livestock feed with additional information about the purpose, nature or characteristics of the livestock feed.

General requirements

• a claim may be found as a statement on the label, or appear as part of the brand name or the name of the livestock feed
• all claims on livestock feed labels must be accurate, truthful, and must not mislead or deceive the purchaser of the livestock feed

Additional requirements

There are some additional requirements pertaining to SIFs and mixed feeds.

SIFs

• SIF labels may contain a claim if it is set out in the SIF description of the CFIT, or may contain 1 or more claims as set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels provided that the conditions for that approved claim in the tables are met
• there are certain marketing and promotional statements as well as national and international certifications and logos that are allowed on labels without requiring registration
  • refer to section 6.2 – permissible statements and logos for more information; any other claims on the label require the SIF to be registered

Mixed feeds

• mixed feed labels may contain 1 or more claims as set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels provided the conditions of the label and feed for that approved claim in the table are met
• there are certain marketing and promotional statements as well as national and international certifications and logos that are allowed on labels without requiring registration
  • refer to section 6.2 – permissible statements and logos for more information; any other claims on the label require the mixed feed to be registered
• if a mixed feed has a specialty purpose mentioned as part of the name or stated in another part of the label, this would be considered a claim (for example, a mould inhibitor for livestock feeds, livestock feed antioxidant, forage additive for dairy cattle, etc.)
• all specialty feeds with claims require registration unless it meets the conditions of that approved specialty feed claim as set out in the Tables of permissible claims for feed labels
• organic claims may be included on livestock feed labels if the conditions set out in the Tables of Permissible Claims for Feed Labels have been met
  • organic claims that do not meet these conditions require registration
  • organic claims, including those for livestock feeds, are regulated under part 13 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as well as being considered a claim under the Feeds Regulations, 2024

5.13 Useful information on a livestock feed label

Location: when present on a label, any useful information must appear on the principal display panel.

Description: useful information is not a mandatory labelling requirement, but may be allowed on livestock feed labels. Usually, useful information relates to animal or human safety, livestock feed efficacy, or to address consumer protection concerns. In some cases, the useful information may be consider a claim.

Purpose: useful information can provide additional information about the characteristics or properties of a livestock feed.

General requirements

• statements that may be considered useful information include:
  • a livestock feed label stating "feed grade"
  • a statement of "Not fit for human consumption" on a SIF label
  • a statement of "Not suitable for X species" (for example, do not feed to sheep, not suitable for horses) on a mixed feed label
  • a statement of "Directions for use must be carefully followed" on a label
  • a statement of "Provide adequate water supply at all times" on a label
  • a statement of "Do not use in association with another feed containing supplemental selenium"

• if a SIF is used as flush material and held for internal use statements that indicate "not for further use in X species" would be acceptable

Note: for custom medicated feeds, having additional information (for example, caution and warning statements from the Compendium of Medicating Ingredient Brochures (CMIB) for that medicating ingredient, withdrawal times/periods, etc.) that differs, or is missing or omitted from veterinary prescription is not considered useful information. An establishment cannot add withdrawal times or caution and warning statements of a medicating ingredient to the custom medicated feed label that are not found on the veterinary prescription. If the veterinary prescription does not contain any caution or warning statements, the establishment can add a statement to the label such as "For information regarding caution or warning statements for medicating ingredients, please consult with your veterinarian." This statement would be considered useful information. If the veterinary prescription has a statement for caution and warning statements that states "as per the CMIB", then the livestock feed establishment can copy the caution and warning statements from the CMIB for that species onto the label, provided it does not result in conflicting or misleading information on the label. The livestock feed establishment is still responsible for including all required caution and warning statements that are not related to a medicating ingredient on the custom medicated feed label (for example, a caution statement from an ingredient used in the manufacture of the feed).

5.14 Language(s) on a livestock feed label

Description: the information required to be shown on a livestock feed label must be printed conspicuously, legibly and indelibly either in English or French or both (subsection 48(1) and (2)). However, health and safety information must appear in both official languages (English and French).

General requirements

• there is no standard for how the bilingual information is presented and companies may choose how best to provide the information
  • for example, it could be presented as English on half of the label and French on the other half, or 1 language on the front of the label and the other language on the back of the label
  • in many cases, information that is required in both languages can be found in 1 of the incorporation by reference (IBR) documents, such as the CFIT or the CMIB, or in guidance materials
• custom medicated feeds may be labelled in only 1 official language
• the following information must be included in both English and French:
  • the prohibited material statement for SIFs and mixed feeds
  • the directions for use and the information outlined in the CMIB for each medicating ingredient in a medicated feed
  • any caution and warning statements required for mixed feeds, as applicable
  • any caution and warning statements set out in SIF descriptions in the CFIT, as applicable
  • any required health and safety information/statements/worker safety statements set out in the SIF descriptions in the CFIT, as applicable
  • any caution and warning statements set out in the Compendium of non-feed products (CNFP) for mixed feeds containing non-feed products
  • any information (caution statements, warning statements, preventive controls identified in a preventive control plan that has been added to the label on a voluntary basis and has been provided to prevent risk of harm to animals, humans or the environment) for both SIFs and mixed feeds
• any livestock feed labels that contain information in a language other than English or French must be registered
  • refer to international and multilingual labels for more information

6.0 Additional labelling requirements

In addition to the general labelling requirements outlined in section 3, the following requirements must be met when the information below appears on livestock feed labels.

• 6.1 SIF labelling statements
• 6.2 Permissible statements and logos
• 6.3 Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)/Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) labelling requirements
• 6.4 Other Canadian legislative and regulatory statements
• 6.5 Statements and notes

6.1 SIF labelling statements

The SIF description in the CFIT sets out which statements are required to be added to a SIF label. The SIF description also identifies which statements may be unilingual and which ones are health and safety related and must be in both official languages.

If a mixed feed contains a SIF which has caution statements and/or warning statements in its description, those statements must be transferred to the mixed feed labels that have been manufactured using the SIFs in its formulation. As stated previously, caution statements and warning statements are to be in both official languages on livestock feed labels.

6.2 Permissible statements and logos

Statements highlighting national and international certifications, endorsement, marketing and/or promotional practices are allowed on livestock feed labels without requiring registration. The table below contains permissible statements and logos related to national or international industry certifications, endorsement, or marketing and/or promotional practices about the company. This is not an exhaustive list, but provides examples of what statements, logos or information would be acceptable on labels. Please note that this information can appear on accompanying documentation as well as on labels.

In addition, please note that the Non-genetically modified organism (Non-GMO) Project Verified logo is allowed to be included on a livestock feed label, provided the company is enrolled in and in good standing with that program. However, claims or statements respecting novel traits or genetic modification such as "genetically modified organism free" are not acceptable.

During compliance verification activities carried out by the CFIA, regulated parties may be required to provide information to substantiate or support the permissible claim.

For endorsement, promotional, or marketing statements, acceptable ways to substantiate these statements may include:

• documentation of national or international certifications
• documentation to support endorsements made (for example, letter from official sponsor)
• documentation to support marketing or promotional practices (for example, letters from charities)
• with regards to a livestock feed label having a logo of a third party certification program (for example, FeedAssure®, HACCP, GMP+, Non-GMO Project Verified, etc.), the CFIA would verify that the company is enrolled in or part of the program for that particular logo, but the CFIA would not verify that they meet the standards or criteria of that program
  • as part of routine inspection activities, the CFIA could verify that the company is in good standing with that program
• for the endorsement, promotional or marketing statements on labels (for example, logos of third party certification programs, etc.), information explaining what those logos and statements mean need to be publically available so customers understand the statements being made

Permissible statements and logos related to national or international industry certifications, or endorsements or marketing and promotional practices about the company

6.3 Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)/Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) labelling requirements

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHIMS) is Canada's standard for hazard communication

• on January 4th, 2023, Health Canada published amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) in the Canada Gazette, Part II, to align with the 7th revised edition, and certain provisions of the 8th revised edition of the Global Harmonized System (GHS)
• the amendments came into force on December 15th, 2022
  • there is a 3-year transition period, ending on December 14th, 2025, where regulated parties may choose to comply with the new regulations or the previous regulations, but not a combination of both
• key changes resulting from the amendments include:
  • improved clarity and precision for certain provisions
  • new information elements required on safety data sheets (SDSs) (including changes to hazard statements for combustible dust products and the addition of a second hazard statement "May form explosible dust-air mixture")
  • adoption of a new physical hazard class (Chemicals Under Pressure)
  • adoption of a new hazard category for non-flammable aerosols and new subcategories for flammable gases
• the recent amendments to part II section 12 of the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) which lists the exemptions from the requirements have removed exemptions for products such as food, pesticides and medical devices
  • as such livestock feeds may be subject to the WHMIS/GHS requirements administered under the HPA
  • livestock feeds are also subject to the employer requirements set out by federal, provincial and territorial regulatory authorities responsible for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

• GHS/WHIMS information is not required under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 but may be a required by other government legislations and programs
  • as long as the information does not contradict the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024, they may be added to livestock feed labels
  • if there is ambiguity, supporting data may be required
• caution statements required by the Feeds Act, the Feeds Regulations, 2024 and WHMIS/GHS need only appear in the WHMIS/GHS section of the label
• label information required under the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024, but not required under WHMIS/GHS, including guaranteed analysis, registration numbers, etc., must be placed outside the hatched border of the WHMIS/GHS label
• for livestock feeds regulated under the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024, WHMIS/GHS labelling is required for most processing aids, acids, mineral products, and any other product that has the potential to be used in the workplace
• medicated feeds are not WHMIS-controlled, however, SDSs must be maintained and provided upon request
• contact Health Canada if you are unsure whether your livestock feed requires WHMIS/GHS labelling
• it is the responsibility of the manufacturer/supplier/importer to ensure that livestock feed labelling complies with the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024 and WHMIS/GHS

WHMIS/GHS references

• all information pertaining to WHMIS/GHS labelling, SDS requirements, classifications, exemptions, and enforcement can be found in the WHMIS reference manual
• the WHMIS reference manual provides a section-by-section discussion of the federal legislation which sets out labelling and SDS requirements for Canadian suppliers and Canadian importers
• the manual, which includes a comprehensive index, can be obtained from the national WHMIS website or by contacting Health Canada at:

WHMIS Program, Health Canada
MacDonald Building
123 Slater Street, 4th Floor
Address Locator: 3504D
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9
Telephone: 613-957-2342

6.4 Other Canadian legislative and regulatory statements

• statements that are required by other Canadian legislation may be found on livestock feed labels, such as labelling requirements under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Part 13 - Organic Products); Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations, Health of Animals Act and Health of Animals Regulations, orimport permit labelling requirements related to animal health, aquatic animal health, or plant health, etc.
• these are not considered livestock feed claims and must comply with those regulatory authorities accordingly
• these statements may be added on livestock feed labels as long as the information does not contradict the Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, 2024

6.5 Statements and notes

Any information to prevent risk of harm to animals, humans or the environment may be added to the label on a voluntary basis.

7.0 Livestock feed-specific labelling requirements

The following requirements for these specific types of livestock feeds must be followed as described below.

• 7.1 Medicated feeds
• 7.2 Custom medicated feeds
• 7.3 Mixed feeds containing non-feed products
• 7.4 Mixed feeds containing pest control products
• 7.5 Customer formula feeds
• 7.6 Imported livestock feeds
• 7.7 Livestock feeds for export
• 7.8 Registered livestock feeds

Note: the livestock feed-specific labelling information found below is in addition to the information mentioned above in section 3.

7.1 Medicated feeds

Under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, a medicated feed means a mixed feed that contains a medicating ingredient. For medicated feeds, other than custom medicated feeds, the label must contain the information set out in the CMIB for each medicating ingredient in the livestock feed.

Specific labelling requirements

The label of a medicated feed must contain:

• the name and actual amount of each medicating ingredient, which must appear immediately after the livestock feed name
• the approved claim(s) when the medicating ingredient is used at the level indicated in the CMIB for such claim(s)
• any warning statements as set out in the CMIB for a medicating ingredient level/claim
  • the warning statement must follow immediately after the heading "Warning" and "Mise en garde", and be clearly separated from other information shown on the label
• any caution statements as set out in the CMIB for a medicating ingredient level/claim
  • The caution statement must follow immediately after the heading "Caution" and "Précaution", and be clearly separated from other information shown on the label
• in the case of a medicated feed that contains more than 1 medicating ingredient with warning statements indicating different withdrawal times, the warning statement containing the longest withdrawal time must appear immediately after the heading "Warning" and "Mise en garde" and clearly be separated from other information shown on the label
• any statement on the prudent use of the medicating ingredient(s) as set out in the CMIB
• any directions for use outlined in the CMIB for each medicating ingredient
• the directions for use of the medicated feed must align with the purpose of the livestock feed
  • for example, if the medicated feed is a premix with medicating ingredients, the directions for use of the medicated feed must indicate that it has to be mixed with other SIFs or mixed feeds, and not say it should be offered directly with forages or top-dressed
• any additional information that must be added to the medicated feed label as a note, as specified in the CMIB

7.2 Custom medicated feeds

Under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, custom medicated feed means a medicated feed that is manufactured in accordance with a veterinary prescription that orders a medicating ingredient

• that is not set out in the CMIB for the species of livestock for which the feed is intended; or
• that is of a brand, level or compatibility or that has a caution or warning statement that differs from that set out in the CMIB in respect of that particular ingredient, for the species of livestock for which the feed is intended

This is sometimes referred to as "off label" use or extra label drug use (ELDU).

Veterinary prescriptions that prescribe medicating ingredients listed in the CMIB at "on label" use rates, purposes, etc., are to be labelled as a regular medicated feed. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to verify that the prescription is for an 'off label' use, and to label the resulting livestock feed appropriately.

Specific labelling requirements

For custom medicated feeds the label must also contain:

• the name and address of the person for whom the livestock feed was manufactured
• the name of the veterinarian who issued the veterinary prescription
• the name and actual amount of each medicating ingredient, which must appear immediately after the livestock feed name
• if there are any caution and warning statements outlined in the veterinary prescription, they must be immediately after the heading "Caution" or "Précaution" or "Warning" or "Mise en garde", respectively, and be clearly separated from other information shown on the label
• directions for use as indicated on the veterinary prescription and must include the prescribed period of medication during which the livestock feed is to be fed (subsection 45(1)(f)(ii))
• if the custom medicated feed contains more than 1 medicating ingredient, the requirements for each medicating ingredient must appear on the label
  • the warning statement containing the longest withdrawal time must appear immediately after the heading "Warning" or "Mise en garde" and clearly be separated from other information shown on the label.

Note: custom medicated feeds do not need to meet bilingual labelling requirements regarding health and safety information. These labels are permitted to include the required information in 1 official language only.

7.3 Mixed feeds containing non-feed products

For mixed feeds containing non-feed products (NFPs) found in the CNFP the label must contain the information and conditions set out in the CNFP for each NFP included in the formulation (subsection 45(1)(h)).

Specific labelling requirements

For mixed feeds containing non-feed products, the label must also contain:

• the approved brand
• the actual amount of the NFP
• the approved claim(s) as listed in the CNFP
• the guarantees for each active ingredient must be included on the guaranteed analysis if indicated in the notes section in the CNFP
• any caution statements for each NFP as set out in the CNFP
  • the caution statement must follow immediately after the heading "Caution" and "Précaution", and be clearly separated from other information shown on the label
• any warning statements for each NFP as set out in the CNFP
  • the warning statement must follow immediately after the heading "Warning" and "Mise en garde", and be clearly separated from other information shown on the label
• in the case of a mixed feed that contains more than 1 NFP with warning statements showing different withdrawal times, the warning statement containing the longest withdrawal time must appear immediately after the heading "Warning" and "Mise en garde", and clearly be separated from other information shown on the label
• any additional information that must be added as a note as specified in the CNFP for a particular NFP

7.4 Mixed feeds containing pest control products

For mixed feeds containing pest control products, the pest control product must be as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Pest Control Products Act. In addition to the general labelling requirements mentioned in section 3 of this document, the label must also contain the name and amount of the pest control product, the list of ingredients and guarantees for the pest control product (that is, the active ingredients). This mixed feed requires registration (subsection 6(2)(iii)).

7.5 Customer formula feeds

Under the Feeds Regulations, 2024, a customer formula feed means a mixed feed that is manufactured by a feed manufacturer

• for feeding their livestock; or
• in accordance with a written order that is signed by a purchaser if
  • the order states the name of each single ingredient feed, medicating ingredient set out in the CMIB, or type of product set out in the CNFP, and their respective amounts to be used in the manufacture of that feed, or to be added to other mixed feeds that conform to the standards prescribed in these regulations,
  • the feed does not contain a pest control product as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Pest Control Products Act; and
  • the feed is not intended for resale

Note: a label is not required for a customer formula feed if it is manufactured by the livestock feed manufacturer for feeding their own livestock.

Specific labelling requirements

For customer formula feeds, the label must contain:

• name of the livestock feed, including the words "customer formula"
• identification code (or lot number)
• net amount
• directions for use
• the prohibited material statement (if it contains or could contain prohibited material)
• the name of the supplier of the formula used to manufacture the livestock feed
• the name and address of the person who manufactured the feed or caused it to be manufactured
• any caution and warning statements set out in the CFIT for each SIF used in the formulation, as well as any caution and warning statements of any registered SIFs or registered mixed feeds used to make the customer formula feed
• if the customer formula feed contains NFPs listed in the CNFP, information set out in the CNFP for each NFP in the formulation must also be on the label (refer to section 5.3)
• If the customer formula feed contains medicating ingredients listed in the CMIB information as set out in the CMIB for each medicating ingredient in the formulation must also be on the label (refer to section 5.1)

Note: customer formula feed labels must meet the bilingual labelling requirements outlined in section 3 above regarding health and safety information, and must meet all regulatory requirements, such as compositional and safety standards.

7.6 Imported livestock feeds

Imported livestock feeds are those feeds that have been imported for sale into Canada. These livestock feeds have been manufactured and likely processed, stored, packaged, labelled, and handled outside of Canada. Livestock feeds being imported into Canada for sale must meet all regulatory requirements, including labelling requirements, as feed manufactured in Canada.

Specific labelling requirements

• if any livestock feed is manufactured in a country other than Canada, the label must contain its geographical origin (for example, manufactured in the U.S.) or the phrase "imported by" or "imported for" followed by the name and address (principal place of business) of the person in Canada for whom the livestock feed was manufactured for resale
  • this information must be shown on the principal display panel
• imported livestock feeds must meet all the Canadian labelling requirements as set out in this document and all other regulatory requirements

7.7 Livestock feeds for export

Livestock feeds intended for export are feeds that are manufactured in Canada but are to be exported to foreign countries. Livestock feeds intended for export are neither fed to livestock species in Canada nor do they enter the Canadian marketplace or commerce.

Most livestock feeds intended for export do not need to meet the approval and registration requirements or the standards and labelling requirements for livestock feed that are sold or imported for use in Canada, provided that certain conditions are met. If the livestock feed business decides to sell the livestock feed within Canada, all Canadian regulatory requirements must be met, including the labelling requirements.

Specific labelling requirements

• livestock feeds intended for export, do not have to meet labelling or other requirements outlined in the Feeds Regulations, 2024
• livestock feed intended for export must have the words "Export" or "exportation" on the label
  • this information must be shown on the principal display panel
• for any provision of the Feeds Regulations, 2024 that a livestock feed for export does not meet, the exporter must have documentation to demonstrate that it meets the requirements of the importing country or the requirements of the importer

7.8 Registered livestock feeds

A registered livestock feed is usually a part 2 SIF or a higher risk mixed feed that has successfully completed the pre-market evaluation for registration, and has been issued a valid registration number by the CFIA.

Specific labelling requirements

• In addition to the general labelling requirements in sections 3, 4 and 5, registered livestock feeds must clearly indicate the valid registration number issued by the CFIA on the principal display panel of the label

For livestock feeds that will require registration under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 whether manufactured in Canada or imported, please refer to RG-1 Regulatory Guidance.

Appendix 1

General labelling requirements for different types of livestock feeds