Specific nutrient content claim requirements
Specific requirements for making nutrient content claims exist for many nutrients, as well as for vitamins and minerals. This section discusses those requirements, as outlined in the table following B.01.513, and the sections D.01.004 and D.02.002 of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).
On this page
- How to use the claims tables
- Energy and calorie claims
- Protein claims
- Fat claims
- Saturated fatty acid claims
- Trans fatty acid claims
- Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid claims
- Cholesterol claims
- Sodium (salt) claims
- Potassium claims
- Carbohydrate and sugars claims
- Dietary fibre claims
- Vitamin and mineral nutrient claims
- "Light" claims
How to use the claims tables
The tables in this section list the nutrient content claims permitted for foods. In order for a nutrient content claim to be made:
- certain acceptable wording must be used (see column 1 "Claims")
- the food must meet the compositional criteria for the claim (see column 2 "Conditions - Food"; for more information, refer to the Nutrition labelling compliance test), and
- the label or the advertisement must state the specific information required for that claim (see column 3, "Conditions - Label or advertisement")
The claims tables in this chapter differ from the table following B.01.513 in the FDR in the presentation of information. The differences are explained using the excerpt below from Summary table of energy and calorie claims.
Column 1 Claims |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of energy |
The food provides less than 5 Calories or 21 kilojoules per reference amount and serving of stated size. |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. All other applicable requirements must be met. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) Table following B.01.513, item 1 |
Column 1: "Claims" - lists the claims that are permitted to describe a product as "Free of energy"
Column 1 is a combination of both column 1 and column 4 of the table to B.01.513 in the FDR. Column 1 specifies the claims that can be made. The titles in bold print are the subjects from column 1 of the table following B.01.513 and are used so that references to the table can be easily made. The claims in quotation marks come from Column 4 of the table following B.01.513. Only the claims indicated in quotations may be used and they must be worded exactly as indicated. Where there are a number of claims in quotes, any of them can be used.
For some nutrients, additional permitted references to the nutrient content of the foods are also shown in column 1. These references are not prescribed in the table following B.01.513 so have not been bolded and are not in quotations. There may be some flexibility in their wording. For example, "sweetened" is a permitted claim, although there are no prescribed criteria for its use.
Column 2: "Conditions - Food" - specifies the compositional criteria required of foods making a claim set out in column 1
In this case, it specifies that foods making one of the listed Free of energy claims must provide less than 5 Calories or 21 kilojoules per reference amount and serving of stated size.
Column 2 is identical to column 2 of the table following B.01.513. The compositional criteria is based on the reference amount and/or serving of stated size of a food, which are linked to the Information within the Nutrition Facts table section.
Column 3: "Conditions - Label or advertisement" - sets out any labelling or advertising requirements for products making claims permitted in column 1.
This includes the same information provided by column 3 of the table following B.01.513, as well as other pertinent information.
Column 3, in this case, does not set out any specific labelling requirements for the claim Free of energy. However, it does state the following references:
- The manner in which the claim is made must be in accordance with the FDR.
- While the Nutrition Facts table, including an energy declaration, is mandatory on most prepackaged foods, some products are exempt. Products lose their exemption once a "free of energy" claim is made.
Column 4 - provides references to the relevant sections in the Food and Drug Regulations.
Note: Links to relevant sections and/or definitions are included the first time the words appear in a table.
Claim categories
- Energy and calorie claims
- Protein claims
- Fat claims
- Saturated fatty acid claims
- Trans fatty acid claims
- Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid claims
- Cholesterol claims
- Sodium (Salt) claims
- Potassium claims
- Carbohydrate and sugars claims
- Dietary fibre claims
- Vitamin and mineral nutrient claims
- "Light" claims
Energy and calorie claims
This section deals with implied and explicit energy claims. See the table below for the permitted nutrient content claims.
Superlative claims for energy
Consuming a diet high in Calories does not guarantee that one will have lots of "pep" and "energy". Many factors, including the state of a person's health and physical fitness, impact upon how effectively and efficiently the muscles use the energy. The popular concept of "energy", for example, in the sense of being energetic, having pep, vigour, strength or endurance is not directly related to specific foods in the diet.
The text accompanying claims such as "source of energy" and "contains more calories" (and synonymous claims) must not mislead the buyer. The following types of claims are considered misleading and must not be used:
- a claim that a food provides "instant" pep, vitality, vigour, power or strength
- a claim that a food provides all the food energy necessary to carry one through certain physical activities or recovery from these
- a claim that a food provides all the energy necessary to carry one through until the next meal, or
- a claim that a food, consisting mainly of carbohydrates, provides food energy which lasts over many hours of hard work or play
Summary table of energy and calorie claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of energy |
The food provides less than 5 Calories or 21 kilojoules per reference amount and serving of stated size. |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
b) Low in energy |
The food provides: |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 2 |
c) Reduced in energy |
(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it provides at least 25% less energy |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 3 |
d) Lower in energy |
(1) The food provides at least 25% less energy |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 4 |
e) Source of energy |
The food provides at least 100 Calories or 420 kilojoules per reference amount and serving of stated size. |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 5 |
f) More energy |
The food provides at least 25% more energy, totalling at least 100 more Calories or 420 more kilojoules |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 6 |
g) Light in energy |
The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "reduced in energy" (item c) of this table) |
The following are identified: |
Table to B.01.513, item 45 |
h) Representation that the food is for use in "energy-reduced" diet with respect to the energy value only of a food |
The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 for one of the following claims: |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with columns 1 and 3 for items a), b), c) or d) of this table. |
B.01.507 |
i) Representation that the food is for "special dietary use" with respect to the energy value of the food |
One of the following claims must be made on the label of the product and the conditions for that claim must be respected: |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with columns 1 and 3 for items a) or b) of this table. |
B.24.003(1.1) |
j) Foods represented as "dietetic" or "diet" with respect to the energy content of the food, including when used in a trade-mark. |
Reserved for foods for special dietary use as regulated by B.24.003.In order to label, package, sell or advertise a food as "dietetic" or "diet", or use those words in the brand name, one of the following must be on the label and the conditions for that claim must be met: |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with columns 1 and 3 for items a), b), c) or d) of this table. |
B.24.003(4) |
Table Note
- Table note 1
-
The similar reference food for foods with a "light in energy claim", shall have a nutrient value that is representative of foods of that type that have not been processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified in a manner that increases the energy value or the amount of fat [B.01.500(2), FDR].
Protein claims
A statement with respect to proteins is permitted provided the food meets the conditions for "source of protein" in the summary table of protein claims below, that is, a reasonable daily intake of the food has a protein rating of 20 or more [B.01.305(1), FDR ].
For example, the claim "made with soy protein" is acceptable provided the food meets the conditions for "source of protein".
For information and examples on calculating the protein rating, please refer to Protein under the Elements within the Nutrition Facts table section.
Amino acids
Nutrient content claims such as "source of amino acids", "source of (naming the amino acid)" or "source of essential amino acids" are not permitted under the nutrition labelling regulations [B.01.305(2), FDR].
However, other types of statements with respect to amino acids, such as quantitative declarations outside the Nutrition Facts table of amino acid content of a food may be made, provided:
- the food meets the conditions for a "source of protein" claim [B.01.305(2)(a), FDR]
- the label or the advertisement includes a declaration of the amount of the following essential amino acids contained in the food: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine [B.01.305(2)(b), FDR]
- the declaration is expressed in grams per serving of stated size [B.01.305(2)(b), FDR]
- the declaration is not in the Nutrition Facts table [B.01.401(1), B.01.402(1), FDR], and
- the declaration is presented in both English and French unless otherwise exempted [B.01.305(4), FDR]
Exceptions
The above requirements respecting representations about protein or amino acids, whether expressed or implied, do not apply to the following [B.01.305(3)(a) to (k), FDR]:
- a formulated liquid diet, a human milk fortifier, an infant formula or a food represented as containing infant formula
- foods represented for use in gluten-free diets, protein-restricted diets, low (naming the amino acid) diets and (naming the amino acid) free diets
- the word "protein" when it is used as part of the common name of an ingredient in the list of ingredients
- the declaration of amino acids in a list of ingredients
- common names (such as hydrolyzed soya protein), which are set out in column 2 of items 7 to 9 in Table 1 of the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document, when shown in the list of ingredients
- the common name of single amino acid preparations that may be sold as foods
- statements to the effect that aspartame contains phenylalanine (as required by B.01.014(c) and B.01.015(1)(b), FDR)
- a statement or claim set out in column 4 of the table following B.01.513 of the FDR respecting the subject "low in protein" set out in column 1 of item 7
- a statement of the amount of protein in the Nutrition Facts table
- a statement of the protein content of foods mentioned in the following sections of the FDR
- formulated liquid diet [B.24.103(c), FDR]
- meal replacement, nutritional supplement [B.24.202(a)(ii), FDR]
- food for use in a very low energy diet [B.24.304(b), FDR], or
- infant formula and food represented as containing infant formula [B.25.057(1)(a) or B.25.057(2)(c)(i) or (d)(i), FDR], and
- a statement that a food is not a source of protein
"Complete protein"
The claim "Complete protein" can be used in some cases to describe the characteristic of a protein, that is, that all essential amino acids are included. The claim "Complete protein" on a food label or advertisement is considered to be an implied nutrient content claim about protein. Under the FDR, subsection B.01.305(1) states: "No person shall, on the label of or in any advertisement for a food, make a representation, express or implied, respecting a protein unless the food meets the conditions set out in column 2 of item 8 of the table following section B.01.513 for the subject "source of protein" set out in column 1." If the term "complete protein" is used, it must be in conjunction with and meet the requirements of a "source of protein" claim. There must be no intervening material to alter the "source of protein" claim wording.
Furthermore, subsection B.01.511(4) of the FDR states: "Any words, numbers, signs or symbols preceding or following the statement or claim referred to in subsection (3) shall accompany the statement or claim in such a manner that the statement or claim characterizes all foods of that type, and not only the specific food." Therefore, the claim "complete protein" cannot give the impression that this is a quality specific to the food in question; it should indicate that it is a quality of all foods of similar type. For example, a specific meat product should not imply that only that meat product is a complete protein when it is a quality of all meat.
"High quality protein"
The claim "high quality protein" is not permitted on a label or advertisement since it is not one of the acceptable claims listed in the table following section B.01.513 of the FDR. The claim could also imply that the protein in question is of better quality than other proteins which may have the same characteristics and/or protein rating.
Other permitted references to protein
The percent (%) meat protein declaration is required as part of the common name for meat and poultry meat with added phosphate salts and/or water. This declaration is a permitted protein declaration. However, the presence of this declaration triggers the Nutrition Facts table on foods otherwise exempt, such as a food sold only in the retail establishment where the product is prepared and processed from its ingredients [B.01.090(2), B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), B.01.502(2)(a), FDR].
Summary table of protein claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the FDR. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 claim |
Column 2 conditions - Food |
Column 3 conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Low in protein |
The food contains no more than 1 g of protein per 100 g of the food. |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
Table following B.01.513, item 7 |
b) Source of protein |
The food has a protein rating of 20 or more, as determined by official method FO-1, Determination of Protein Rating, October 15, 1981 or by PDCAAS, |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 8 |
c) Excellent source of protein |
The food has a protein rating of 40 or more, as determined by official method FO-1, Determination of Protein Rating, October 15, 1981 or by PDCAAS, |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 9 |
d) More protein |
The food |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 10 |
Fat claims
Criteria for fat claims are provided in the Summary table of fat claims below.
The following references are permitted:
- common names prescribed by the FDR, for example, "skim milk" and "low fat cocoa"
- the percent milk fat or butter fat declaration on dairy products
- the words "extra-lean ground (naming the species)", "lean ground (naming the species)", "medium ground (naming the species)", and "regular ground (naming the species)"
- the representation "defatted (naming the food)", for example, "defatted cocoa" or "defatted soybeans"
- representations that characterize the amount of a fatty acid in a vegetable oil, when the name of the fatty acid forms part of the oil's common name, for example, "high oleic sunflower oil" or "low linolenic flaxseed oil", and
- the English representation "lean" with respect to a prepackaged meal represented for use in a weight-reduction diet or a weight-management diet
Summary table of fat claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of fat |
The food contains: |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
b) Low in fat |
The food contains: |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 12 |
c) Reduced in fat |
(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less fat |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 13 |
d) Lower in fat |
(1) The food contains at least 25% less fat |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 14 |
e) 100% fat-free |
The food |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 15 |
f) (Percentage) fat-free |
The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in fat" (item b) of this table). |
One of the following statements or claims is stated: "low fat" or "low in fat". |
Table following B.01.513, item 16 |
g) No added fat |
(1) The food contains no added fats or oils set out in Division 9, FDR, or added butter or ghee, or ingredients that contain added fats or oils, or butter or ghee. |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 17 |
h) Light in fat |
The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "reduced in fat" (item c) of this table). |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 45 |
i) Lean |
The food |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 46 |
j) Extra lean |
The food |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 47 |
Table Note
- Table note 2
-
The similar reference food for foods with a "light in fat" claim, shall have a nutrient value that is representative of foods of that type that have not been processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified in a manner that increases the energy value or the amount of fat [B.01.500(2), FDR].
For examples on identifying the validity of a fat claim, please refer to Nutrient content claim examples.
Saturated fatty acid claims
The conditions for saturated fatty acid claims are linked with the trans fatty acid content of the food.
Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims
Note: The claims made in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of saturated fatty acids |
The food contains: |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
b) Low in saturated fatty acids |
(1) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids combined per |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 19 |
c) Reduced in saturated fatty acids |
(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified, without increasing the content of trans fatty acids, so that it contains 25% less saturated fatty acids |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 20 |
d) Lower in saturated fatty acids "less saturated fat" "less saturates" |
(1) The food contains at least 25% less saturated fatty acids and the content of trans fatty acids is not higher |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 21 |
Trans fatty acid claims
The conditions for trans fatty acid claims are linked with the content of saturated fatty acids.
Only the claims listed in the table below are permitted. Claims such as "Low in trans" are not permitted.
Summary table of trans fatty acid claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of trans fatty acids |
The food: |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
Table following B.01.513, item 22 |
b) Reduced in trans fatty acids |
(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified, without increasing the content of saturated fatty acids, so that it contains at least 25% less trans fatty acids |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 23 |
c) Lower in trans fatty acids |
(1) The food contains at least 25% less trans fatty acids and the content of saturated fatty acids is not higher |
The following are identified: |
Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid claims
Nutrient content claims are not permitted for total polyunsaturates or monounsaturates, nor may claims be made about individual fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Only the claims listed in the Summary table of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturates claims below may be made. However, quantitative statements for fatty acids are permitted, such as "5 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids per serving of 100 g".
Note that the use of quantitative statements may trigger a Nutrition Facts table on the label of a food exempt under B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR. Refer to Information triggered by quantitative statements for more information.
Summary table of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturates claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids |
The food contains: |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. The Nutrition Facts table must include a declaration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.402(3) and (4) |
b) Source of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids |
The food contains: |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 26 |
Cholesterol claims
Cholesterol claims are linked with the trans fatty acid content and the saturated fatty acid content of foods.
Summary table of cholesterol claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of cholesterol |
The food |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
b) Low in cholesterol |
The food |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 28 |
c) Reduced in cholesterol |
(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less cholesterol |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 29 |
d) Lower in cholesterol |
(1) The food contains at least 25% less cholesterol |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 30 |
Sodium (salt) claims
The Summary table for sodium (salt) claims below provides the permitted claims and their associated conditions.
Note: The claim "very low sodium" or synonymous claims are not permitted on foods sold in Canada.
Salted
Reference to the addition of salt to a food is not considered to be a nutrient content claim. The word "salted", or a synonymous term, used to indicate that salt has been added (either as part of the common name or as a separate claim, for example, "extra salt", "salt water taffy", "salt cod", "salted peanuts"), does not trigger the declaration of the Nutrition Facts table for foods exempted by subsection B.01.401(2), FDR. Similarly, the representation "light salted" can be made on fish without triggering the Nutrition Facts table on exempted foods.
In addition, a reference to a "salty taste" is considered a taste claim and does not trigger the Nutrition Facts table on foods otherwise exempted under subsection B.01.401(2), FDR.
Ingredients that functionally substitute for salt
The "no added sodium or salt" claim outlined in item e) of Summary table for sodium (salt) claims below specifies that the food contains "no added salt, other sodium salts or ingredients that contain sodium that functionally substitute for added salt". These include ingredients which give a salty taste to foods such as hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, soy sauce, bouillon powder or cubes, soup mix.
Specific requirements related to sodium claims on bottled water can be found in the appropriate section.
Summary table for sodium (salt) claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of sodium or salt |
The food contains: |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) Table following B.01.513, item 31 |
b) Low in sodium or salt |
The food contains: |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 32 |
c) Reduced in sodium or salt |
1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less sodium |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 33 |
d) Lower in sodium or salt |
1) The food contains at least 25% less sodium |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 34 |
e) No added sodium or salt |
1) The food contains no added salt, other sodium salts or ingredients that contain sodium that functionally substitute for added salt. |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 35 |
f) Lightly salted |
1) The food contains at least 50% less sodium added than the sodium added to the similar reference food. |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 36 |
g) Words to the effect that: the food is "for use in a sodium-restricted diet" |
The food meets the conditions set out for one of the following claims: |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with column 1 and column 3 for items a), b), c) or d) of this table. |
B.01.508, table following B.01.513, items 31 to 34 |
h) Words to the effect that the food is "for special dietary use" with respect to the sodium (salt) content |
The food meets the condition set out for one of the following claims: |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with column 1 and column 3 for items a) or b) of this table. |
B.24.003(1.1)(c) and (d), and the table following B.01.513, items 31 and 32 |
Potassium claims
Note
On October 20, 2022, amendments were made to the Nutrition Labelling – Table of Daily Values. Regulated parties may continue to label products in accordance with the former requirements until December 31, 2025 inclusively.
For information on the former requirements, consult the archived Table of Daily Values.
The Summary table of potassium claims below provides the permitted claims and their associated conditions.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) "source of potassium" |
At least 170 mg per serving of stated size |
Nutrition Facts table is required on products that are usually exempted by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(i) |
b) "good source of potassium" |
At least 340 mg per serving of stated size |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(i) |
c) "excellent source of potassium" |
At least 510 mg per serving of stated size |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(i) |
Carbohydrate and sugars claims
Claims for carbohydrate and sugars content are restricted to those permitted in the Summary table for carbohydrate and sugars claims below. Claims such as "source of complex carbohydrates", "low carbohydrate", and "light" claims referring to the carbohydrate or sugar content of a food are not permitted.
Other permitted representations [B.01.502(2), FDR]
In addition to the claims permitted in the table following B.01.513 of the FDR, representations with respect to sugars and carbohydrates may also be made as follows:
- representations otherwise provided for in the FDR are permitted, such as prescribed common names like "semi-sweet", "bitter-sweet", "sweetened and unsweetened chocolate" and "sweetened condensed milk"
- representations provided for under section 273 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and Table 5 of the Descriptive Words, Expressions and Identification Names for Specific Foods document are permitted. This provision requires the indication of the type of syrup or juice in which various fruits and sweet potatoes are packed (such as heavy syrup, slightly sweetened fruit juice)
- representations characterizing the amount of lactose in a food are permitted. These are not considered to be nutrient content claims
- representations characterizing the addition of sugars to a food, such as "sweetened ice tea", "sweetened with honey", "sweetened with fruit juice", "X% sugar added", and "dextrose or glucose added" are permitted, in addition to the statements or claims prescribed by the nutrition labelling regulations
- representations characterizing the amount of starch in a food, such as "no added starch", are permitted for Nutrient content claims on food intended solely for children under 2 years of age
- the representation "high (naming the mono- or disaccharide) (naming the syrup)" is permitted
Ingredients that functionally substitute for added sugars
Ingredients, such as sweetening agents, molasses, fruit juice, honey and maple syrup, give a sweet taste to foods. These foods do not meet the prescribed requirements for the "no sugar added" claim. See item d) in Summary table for carbohydrate and sugars claims below.
The information letter Criteria for the nutrient content claim no added sugars provides further information.
Addition of sugar alcohols
A positive statement such as "sweetened with sorbitol" is acceptable on the label or in the advertisement in addition to the declaration of the amount in the Nutrition Facts table. Refer to the section on sweeteners for more information on specific requirements.
Sweet taste
A claim referring specifically to a "sweet taste", such as "does not taste sweet", is considered to be a taste claim and does not trigger a Nutrition Facts table on foods otherwise exempted by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b), FDR.
Summary table for carbohydrate and sugars claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Free of sugars |
The food |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
b) Reduced in sugars |
The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less sugars, totalling at least 5 g less |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 38 |
c) Lower in sugars |
The food contains at least 25% less sugars, totalling at least 5 g less, |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 39 |
d) No added sugars |
1) The food contains no added sugars and no ingredients containing added sugars or ingredients that contain sugars that functionally substitute for added sugars. |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 40 |
e) "unsweetened" |
1) The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 for item d) of this table – ("No added sugars") |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
B.01.509 |
f) Representation that the food is for use in an "energy-reduced" diet |
The food meets the conditions set out for the claim "free of sugars" (item a) of this table). |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with the wording set out in column 1 and conditions in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
B.01.507 |
g) Representation that a food is "for special dietary use" with respect to the sugar content |
The food must meet the conditions for "free of sugars" (item a) of this table). |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with the wording set out in column 1 and conditions in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
h) "dietetic" or "diet" with respect to the sugars content of the food, including when used in the brand name. |
Reserved for foods for special dietary use as regulated by B.24.003. |
Claim or statement is made in accordance with the wording set out in column 1 and conditions in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
i) Representation about the addition or non-addition of starch to a food |
The claim may only be made on foods intended solely for children less than 2 years of age. |
If the food is intended solely for infants 6 months to less than 1 year of age, the Nutrition Facts table must also comply with the conditions set out in B.01.403, FDR. |
B.01.403 |
j) Words that characterize the amount of lactose present in a food |
This is not a claim covered by the Regulations. |
Nutrition Facts table required on products otherwise exempted by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b), FDR. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
k) "sweetened", |
No compositional requirements |
Dietary fibre claims
Note: the spelling "fibre" or "fiber" are both acceptable in the English statements or claims [B.01.503(4), FDR].
Comparative claims for dietary fibre may be made under the conditions described for "More fibre" claims in the Summary table of permitted fibre claims, item d) below. The claims are not restricted to fibre from the same source.
Nutrient content claims for dietary fibre may be made for foods which are considered to be sources of dietary fibre. Both naturally occurring and accepted novel fibre sources may be eligible for fibre claims. The terms "good" and "excellent", because they imply a judgment regarding the nature and value of the fibre in addition to quantity, are not permitted.
If a food contains a novel fibre source that has not been reviewed by Health Canada, or for which the data does not support the efficacy of the fibre, the amount of fibre contributed by this ingredient must not be included in the declaration of the dietary fibre content, and no fibre claims may be made for it.
Further information on dietary fibre, including links to Health Canada policies and list of accepted dietary fibres, can be found in dietary fibre under the Elements within the Nutrition Facts table section.
Fibre sources
Wheat bran: When the source of bran is not named, the term "bran" is considered a reference to wheat bran. Wheat bran contains approximately 42% dietary fibre.
Oat bran: Oat bran is the product derived from the dehulled oat kernels (oat groat) which provides, on a dry basis, a minimum content of 13% total dietary fibre, of which at least 30% must be soluble fibre. The moisture content of the product must not exceed 12%. A product may be represented as a source of oat bran, provided it contains at least 2 g dietary fibre derived from oat bran per reference amount and serving of stated size.
Milled corn bran: Traditionally, milled corn bran contains 60 to 65% dietary fibre. Products may be represented as sources of corn bran, provided the product contains at least 2 g dietary fibre from conventionally-milled corn bran.
Rice bran: No dietary fibre claims may be made for rice bran, which is considered a safe food ingredient but whose efficacy as a dietary fibre has not been established.
Summary table of permitted fibre claims
Note: The claims in quotation marks in column 1 are those which are permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations. The reference amounts are found in the Table of reference amounts for food.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) Source of fibre |
(1) The food contains 2 g or more of |
Must comply with requirements and conditions for making a nutrient content claim. Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii) |
b) High source of fibre |
(1) The food contains 4 g or more of |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 42 |
c) Very high source of fibre |
(1) The food contains 6 g or more of |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
Table following B.01.513, item 43 |
d) More fibre |
(1) The food contains at least: |
The following are identified: |
Table following B.01.513, item 44 |
For an example on identifying the validity of a fibre claim, please refer to Nutrient content claim examples.
Vitamin and mineral nutrient claims
Vitamin and mineral claim requirements
On the label or advertisement for a food, it is not permissible to make a statement or claim that characterizes the vitamin or mineral content of a food unless:
- a Daily value (DV) for the vitamin or mineral has been established [D.01.004(1)(a), D.02.002(1)(a), FDR]
- a minimum of 5% of the DV per serving of stated size is present for the vitamin or mineral that is the subject of the claim [D.01.004(1)(b), D.02.002(1)(b), FDR]
- Note: Daily values for vitamin and mineral nutrients are listed in Part 2 of the Table of daily values
- the vitamin or mineral content is declared as a percentage of the daily value per serving of stated size [D.01.004(1)(c), D.02.002(1)(c), FDR]
- Note: Declaration of the vitamin or mineral content is not required when a claim is made for fresh vegetables or fruits without any added ingredients, an orange with added food colour, or a fresh vegetable or fruit coated with mineral oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum or any other protective coating. The use of a nutrient content claim, on the label or in an advertisement, does not trigger the NFt or any accompanying information [B.01.401(2)(c)(i), D.01.004(1.1), D.02.002(1.1), FDR]
- the claim is one of the specific permitted exceptions
- Bottled water, including "mineral water", "demineralized water" and declarations regarding the addition of fluoride ions [Division 12, FDR]
- A declaration of the addition of iodide on the principal display panel of salt [B.17.003, FDR]
Note: The first 3 conditions above do not apply when a claim concerns the sodium or potassium content of a food [D.02.002(4), FDR]. Refer to Sodium (salt) claims and Potassium claims for more information on these specific claims.
Note: Even when a claim cannot be made, the amount of the vitamin or mineral nutrient may be (or in some cases, must be) declared in the Nutrition Facts table in an amount less than 5% of the DV [D.01.004(4), D.02.002(6), FDR] (refer to Additional nutrition information) and/or in a quantitative declaration outside the Nutrition Facts table.
Testimonials and guarantees
Testimonials and guarantees are prohibited on foods represented as containing a vitamin or mineral nutrient. Refer to Testimonials and guarantees regarding vitamin and mineral nutrients for more information.
When vitamins or mineral nutrients are added directly or as components of an ingredient
When a food has a vitamin or mineral nutrient added directly to it as an ingredient, or when a food contains a vitamin or mineral nutrient that was added via an ingredient and the vitamin or mineral nutrient is declared as a component of that ingredient (as required by B.01.008 of the FDR), the amount of the vitamin or mineral nutrient must be declared in the Nutrition Facts table. For foods that are usually exempt from carrying a Nutrition Facts table, a Nutrition Facts table is triggered [B.01.401(3)(a) and (b), FDR].
Claims for vitamin and mineral nutrients which are present in ingredients exempted from component declaration [D.01.007, D.02.005, FDR]
Section B.01.009, FDR details a number of ingredients that are partially or fully exempted from component declaration. These ingredients may contain added vitamins and/or mineral nutrients as components, as set out in the applicable legislation. The label or advertisement for a food with enriched ingredients may make statements or claims about the vitamin and/or mineral nutrient components of these ingredients, provided:
- the vitamin or mineral nutrient is declared by its common name immediately following the declaration of that ingredient to show that it is a component of that ingredient (despite the requirements of B.01.008.2(6), FDR)
- except in the case of flour, all of the components of that ingredient are declared, in parentheses following the name of the ingredient. The components cannot be integrated into the ingredient list as though they are ingredients of the food. (In the case of flour, only the vitamin or mineral nutrient that is the subject of the claim would have to appear in parentheses)
- the total content of the vitamin and/or mineral nutrient(s) in the prepackaged product is declared in accordance with D.01.004 or D.02.002, FDR, as applicable, and
- the food contains at least 5% of the DV per serving of stated size for that vitamin or mineral nutrient
Example:
If a pudding carries a claim that it contains vitamin D in the skim milk ingredient, then all components of the skim milk have to be declared in parentheses following "skim milk" in the list of ingredients. In order to make that claim, the food is required to contain a minimum 5% of the DV of vitamin D per serving of stated size. Also, the vitamin D content would have to be declared in the Nutrition Facts table both in terms of absolute amount and % DV.
Note: All vitamins and/or mineral nutrients that appear in the list of ingredients due to the requirements of D.01.007 and D.02.005, FDR must also be in the Nutrition Facts table.
Column 1 Claim |
Column 2 Conditions - Food |
Column 3 Conditions - Label or advertisement |
Column 4 FDR reference |
---|---|---|---|
a) any vitamin or mineral nutrient claim |
The vitamin or mineral must be set out in column 1 of Part 2 of the Table of daily values. |
Nutrition Facts table must include a declaration of the content of the claimed vitamin or mineral nutrient per serving of stated size, both in terms of absolute amount and % Daily value (% DV) Nutrition Facts table is required on Foods usually exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table by B.01.401(2)(a) and (b) of the FDR [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), FDR]. When used in an advertisement, must comply with the Advertising requirements for nutrient content claims. |
D.01.004 |
b) |
The vitamin or mineral must be set out in column 1 of Part 2 of the Table of daily values. |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
D.01.004 |
c) |
The vitamin or mineral must be set out in column 1 of Part 2 of the Table of daily values. |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
D.01.004 |
d) |
Permitted additions of vitamins and mineral nutrients are listed in D.03.002 of the FDR (see Foods to which vitamins, mineral nutrients and amino acids may or must be added). |
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table. |
D.01.009 |
e) |
Compared to the reference food, the product must be: |
The (%, fraction or number) more (name of vitamin or mineral nutrient) than (naming the reference food) to be either: |
D.01.004 |
"Light" claims
Nutrient-related "light" claims are incorporated into the summary tables for the Energy and calorie claims and Fat claims sections above.
For information on "light" claims related to non-nutrient sensory characteristics (for example, light colour, light taste), and information on "light" claims that are specifically permitted under B.01.502(2) of the FDR (for example, "light salted fish"), please refer to Composition and quality claims.
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