On this page
Introduction
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) developed a summary of proposed changes to the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document for milk ingredients and modified milk ingredients.
To receive feedback on these changes, we ran a consultation on common names when including "milk ingredients" and "modified milk ingredients" on the list of ingredients section of food labels from August 22, 2025 to October 21, 2025.
This report summarizes the feedback received and the next steps for finalizing changes to the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document for milk ingredients and modified milk ingredients.
Who we heard from
The CFIA received 60 responses, 46 from the online survey and 14 written responses by email.
Collectively, the respondents self-identified as being part of the following groups:
- 20 consumers/ member of the general public
- 24 manufacturers/ processors
- 2 distributors/ retailers
- 3 government representatives
- 3 consultants
- 8 industry associations
What we heard
Respondents welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback and expressed their support of the proposed changes to the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document for milk ingredients and modified milk ingredients.
1. Proposal to change to the class name for "milk ingredients" in French only and "modified milk ingredients" in English and French
Most supported the proposed changes to the English and French class names because it better describes the ingredients.
Of those who did not agree with the proposal to change "modified milk ingredients" to "milk-derived ingredients," most did not agree because consumers are familiar with the current names, and they felt these changes would reduce transparency and could mislead consumers.
Two respondents recommended the name "ingrédients laitiers" instead of "ingrédients du lait" to replace "substances laitières."
2. Proposed changes to the description of ingredient or component which can use the class name "milk ingredients"
Most supported the proposed changes to amend the ingredients or components that are allowed to use the common name "milk ingredients" by making it a list of specifically named ingredients and components because this added clarity for users.
Some respondents did not agree with making it a closed list because they believe the current wording provides sufficient clarity.
3. Proposed changes to the description of ingredient or component which can use the class name "modified milk ingredients"
Most supported the proposed changes to amend the ingredients or components that are allowed to use the common name "modified milk ingredients" because this would add clarity for users.
Of those who did not agree with the proposed change, some felt these changes would reduce transparency, while others requested clarification to properly understand the scope of the change.
4. Proposed changes to exclude protein isolates derived from milk to use the class name "naming of the source of the protein" plus "protein" or the common name of the protein isolate
Most respondents supported clarifying the list of ingredients or components for protein isolates excludes those derived from milk.
Of those who did not agree with the proposed change, most did not agree because they felt these changes would reduce transparency and want protein isolates derived from milk excluded from using the name "milk-derived ingredients."
Other
There were requests for additional revisions to the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document, as well as requests for a prolonged transition period.
Next steps
Considering the overall general support for the proposed changes, the CFIA will amend the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document with all the changes proposed in the consultation.
The CFIA thanks everyone who participated in the consultation process.