Food labelling for industry
Important Notice
On December 14, 2016, amendments to nutrition labelling, list of ingredients and food colour requirements of the Food and Drug Regulations came into force. Regulated parties have a 5 year transition period to meet the new labelling requirements, during which they must comply with either the former or the new requirements. As of December 14, 2021, all prepackaged food products being manufactured or imported must comply with the new labelling requirements, which are here reflected.
Consult the Former – Industry Labelling Tool for information on the former requirements.
Industry Labelling Tool
The Industry Labelling Tool is the food labelling reference for all food inspectors and stakeholders in Canada. It replaces the Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising, and the Decisions page to provide consolidated, reorganized and expanded labelling information. This tool provides:
- food products that require a label
- general principles for labelling and advertising
- labelling requirements checklist
- frequently asked questions: Industry Labelling Tool (ILT)
Core labelling requirements
- Bilingual labelling
- Common name
- Country of origin
- Date markings and storage instructions
- Name and principal place
of business - Irradiated foods
- Legibility and location
- List of ingredients and allergens
- Net quantity
- Nutrition labelling
- Sweeteners
- Food additives
- Fortification
- Grades
- Standards of identity
Claims and statements
Food-specific labelling requirements
- Alcohol
- Confectionery, chocolate and snack foods
- Dairy
- Eggs-processed
- Eggs-shell
- Fats and oils
- Fish and fish products
- Foods for special dietary
- Fresh fruits or vegetables
- Grain and bakery
- Honey
- Infant food and infant formula
- Maple
- Meat and poultry
- Processed fruit or vegetable products
- Retail foods
- Salt
- Shipping containers
- Water and ice
- Date modified: