Notice to industry – The importance of accurate use of Product of Canada, Made in Canada and other origin claims

March 14, 2025 (updated on July 30, 2025)

Updates include:

  • new section on the use of the maple leaf online and on retail shelves
  • note on the increase in complaints related to origin claims on bulk produce

Now, more than ever, Canadians have been clear that they want to support Canadian businesses and buy Canadian products. The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, and industry associations to promote clear, transparent and accurate product labelling.

Help consumers spot products with Canadian input

Canada's food industry plays a critical role during this time. Consider using the voluntary "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada" claims on food labels to make it easy for consumers to spot products with Canadian input.

It is important to follow the CFIA's Industry Labelling Tool guidance for their use and ensure the label and advertising is accurate and not misleading. Accurate "Made in Canada" and "Product of Canada" labelling fosters a fair marketplace and builds trust. This strengthens consumer confidence in Canadian businesses. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting industry and providing businesses with tools and resources to help them succeed, so if you have any questions you can contact us through our online Ask CFIA service.

Use of maple leaf online and on retail shelves

Retailers are responsible for the accuracy of any store signage or advertisements about the origin of a food that is store generated. This means that the information they promote online or on grocery shelves must be truthful and not misleading and follow the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA).

If a food business chooses to use the maple leaf on packaging, retail shelves or online, the CFIA recommends that an accompanying domestic content statement (for example, Product of Canada, Made in Canada, or other content claim) be placed in close proximity to the maple leaf to clarify what is meant by the use of the maple leaf, and make sure it will not mislead the consumer.

When using the maple leaf it is also important to know that the Government of Canada restricts the use of official Government of Canada symbols and the stylized 11-point maple leaf. These official symbols are protected against unauthorized use for commercial purposes.

Ensure origin claims are used in compliance with Canada's food laws

We have seen an increase in complaints related to origin claims on bulk produce, on food labels and in advertisements, including some related to "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada".

It is the food industry's responsibility to ensure that all food products they sell in Canada meet Canada's legislative requirements. This includes products that are produced in Canada or imported. Further, the information provided on retail shelves should not conflict with the information declared on the label.

This is a reminder that making false or misleading claims about a food's origin is against Canada's food laws and can damage consumer confidence. The CFIA is reinforcing its commitment to a transparent and trustworthy market and will take the appropriate enforcement action to protect Canadians from misleading claims if non-compliance is found.

We take labelling issues seriously and we want to know about products that are labelled in a misleading manner. We encourage consumers and industry to report concerns directly to the CFIA through our food complaint or concern web page.

We know you are also consumers. Our quick reference guide on how to identify Canadian food can help you spot the different words or symbols you may find while grocery shopping – some mean the food has Canadian content, while others mean it meets a Canadian standard for quality, or organic content.

Supporting information

For more information, contact CFIA online.

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