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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).

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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:

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.

Example summary table
Column 1
Claims
Column 2
Conditions - Food
Column 3
Conditions - Label or advertisement
Column 4
FDR
reference

a) Free of energy
"free of energy"
"energy-free"
"no energy"
"0 energy"
"zero energy"
"without energy"
"contains no energy"
"Calorie-free"
"free of Calories"
"no Calories"
"0 Calories"
"zero Calories"
"without Calories"
"contains no Calories"

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:

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

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:

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
"free of energy"
"energy-free"
"no energy"
"0 energy"
"zero energy"
"without energy"
"contains no energy"

"Calorie-free"
"free of Calories"
"no Calories"
"0 Calories"
"zero Calories"
"without Calories"
"contains no Calories"

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)
Table following B.01.513, item 1

b) Low in energy
"low energy"
"low in energy "
"low source of energy"
"little energy"
"low Calorie"
"low in Calories"
"low source of Calories"
"contains only (number) Calories per serving"
"contains less than (number) Calories per serving"
"few Calories"

The food provides:
(a) 40 Calories or 167 kilojoules or less per reference amount and serving of stated size and, in the case of a food other than a table-top sweetener, if the reference amount is 30 g or 30 mL or less, per 50 g; or
(b) 120 Calories or 500 kilojoules or less per 100 g, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 2

c) Reduced in energy
"reduced in energy"
"reduced energy"
"energy-reduced"
"less energy"
"lower energy"
"lower in energy"
"reduced Calorie"
"reduced in Calories"
"Calorie-reduced"
"less Calories"
"lower Calories"
"lower in Calories"
"fewer Calories"

(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it provides at least 25% less energy
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of item b) above for "low in energy"

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in energy value with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in Calories per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 3

d) Lower in energy
"lower in energy"
"less energy"
"lower energy"
"less Calories"
"lower Calorie"
"lower in Calories"
"fewer Calories"

(1) The food provides at least 25% less energy
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of the reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The reference food of the same food group does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of item b) above for "low in energy".

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in energy value with the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in Calories per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 4

e) Source of energy
"source of energy"
"contains energy"
"provides energy"
"source of Calories"
"contains Calories"
"provides Calories"

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
"more Calories"
"contains more Calories"
"higher Calories"
"higher in Calories"

The food provides at least 25% more energy, totalling at least 100 more Calories or 420 more kilojoules
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in energy value compared to the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food, expressed as a percentage or fraction or in Calories per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 6

g) Light in energy
"light"
"lite"

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:
(a) the similar reference foodTable Note 1;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in energy value with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in Calories or grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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:
"free of energy" (item a) of this table),
"low in energy" (item b) of this table),
"reduced in energy" (item c) of this table),
"lower in energy" (item d) of this table)

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:
"free of energy" (item a) of this table),
"low in energy" (item b) of this table)

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:
"free of energy" (item a) of this table),
"low in energy" (item b) of this table), "reduced in energy" (Item c) of this table),
"lower in energy" (item d) of this table)

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].

Return to table note 1 referrer

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:

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]:

"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
"low in protein"
"low protein"
"low source of protein"
"contains only (number) g of protein per serving"
or
"contains less than (number) g of protein per serving"

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
"source of protein"
"contains protein"
"good source of protein"
"high protein"
"high in protein"
or
"provides protein"
May be used for Nutrient content claims on food intended solely for children under 2 years of age
[B.01.503(2), FDR]

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,
(a) per reasonable daily intake (see Schedule K, FDR), or
(b) per 30 g of breakfast cereal combined with 125 mL of milk, if the food is a breakfast cereal.

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
"excellent source of protein"
"very high protein"
"very high in protein" or
"rich in protein"
May be used for Nutrient content claims on food intended solely for children under 2 years of age
[B.01.503(2), FDR]

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,
(a) per reasonable daily intake (see Schedule K, FDR), or
(b) per 30 g of breakfast cereal combined with 125 mL of milk, if the food is a breakfast cereal.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 9

d) More protein
"more protein"
"higher protein"
"higher in protein"
May be used for Nutrient content claims on food intended solely for children under 2 years of age
[B.01.503(2), FDR]

The food
(a) 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,
(i) per reasonable daily intake (see Schedule K, FDR), or
(ii) per 30 g of breakfast cereal combined with 125 mL of milk, if the food is a breakfast cereal;
(b) contains at least 25% more protein, totalling at least 7 g more, per reasonable daily intake than a reference food of the same food group or a similar reference food.

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in protein with the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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:

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
"free of fat"
"fat-free"
"no fat"
"0 fat"
"zero fat"
"without fat"
"contains no fat"
"non-fat"

The food contains:
(a) less than 0.5 g of fat per reference amount and serving of stated size; or
(b) less than 0.5 g of fat per serving of stated size, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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 11

b) Low in fat
"low in fat"
"low fat"
"low source of fat"
"little fat"
"contains only (number) g of fat per serving"
"contains less than (number) g of fat per serving"

The food contains:
(a) 3 g or less of fat per reference amount and serving of stated size and, if the reference amount is 30 g or 30 mL or less, per 50 g; or
(b) 3 g or less of fat per 100 g and 30% or less of the energy is from fat, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 12

c) Reduced in fat
"reduced in fat"
"reduced fat"
"fat-reduced"
"less fat"
"lower fat"
"lower in fat"

(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less fat
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in fat" (item b) of this table).

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in fat with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 13

d) Lower in fat
"lower in fat"
"lower fat"
"less fat"

(1) The food contains at least 25% less fat
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The reference food of the same food group does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in fat" (item b) of this table).

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in fat with the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 14

e) 100% fat-free
"100% fat-free"
"100% free of fat"

The food
(a) contains less than 0.5 g of fat per 100 g;
(b) contains no added fat; and
(c) meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "free of fat" (item a) of this table).

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 15

f) (Percentage) fat-free
"(percentage) fat-free"
"(percentage) free of fat"

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".
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 16

g) No added fat
"no fat added"
"no added fat"
"without 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.
(2) The similar reference food contains added fats or oils set out in Division 9, FDR, or added 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
"light"
"lite"

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:
(a) the similar reference foodTable Note 2;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in fat value with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in Calories or grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 45

i) Lean
"lean"

The food
(a) is meat or poultry that has not been ground, marine or fresh water animals or a product of any of these; and
(b) contains 10% or less fat.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 46

j) Extra lean
"extra lean"

The food
(a) is meat or poultry that has not been ground, marine or fresh water animals or a product of any of these; and
(b) contains 7.5% or less fat.

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].

Return to table note 2 referrer

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
"free of saturated fatty acids"
"saturated fatty acids-free"
"no saturated fatty acids"
"0 saturated fatty acids"
"zero saturated fatty acids"
"without saturated fatty acids"
Note: "saturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "saturated fat" or "saturates" in the above claims

The food contains:
(a) less than 0.2 g saturated fatty acids and less than 0.2 g trans fatty acids per reference amount and serving of stated size; or
(b) less than 0.2 g saturated fatty acids and less than 0.2 g trans fatty acids per serving of stated size, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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 18

b) Low in saturated fatty acids
"low in saturated fatty acids"
"low saturated fatty acids"
"low source of saturated fatty acids"
"little saturated fatty acids"
"contains only (number) g of saturated fatty acids per serving"
"contains less than (number) g of saturated fatty acids per serving"
Note: "saturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "saturated fat" or "saturates" in the above claims

(1) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids combined per
(a) reference amount and serving of stated size; or
(b) 100 g, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The food provides 15% or less energy from the sum of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids.

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
"reduced in saturated fatty acids"
"reduced saturated fatty acids"
"saturated fatty acids-reduced"
"less saturated fatty acids"
"lower saturated fatty acids"
"lower in saturated fatty acids"
Note: "saturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "saturated fat" or "saturates" in the above claims.
"fewer saturated fatty acids"
"fewer saturates"

(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
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of this table).

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in saturated fatty acids with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 20

d) Lower in saturated fatty acids
"less saturated fatty acids"
"lower saturated fatty acids"
"lower in saturated fatty acids"
"fewer saturated fatty acids"

"less saturated fat"
"lower saturated fat"
"lower in saturated fat"

"less saturates"
"lower saturates"
"lower in saturates"
"fewer saturates

(1) The food contains at least 25% less saturated fatty acids and the content of trans fatty acids is not higher
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The reference food of the same food group does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of this table).

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in saturated fatty acids with the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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
"free of trans fatty acids"
"trans fatty acids-free"
"no trans fatty acids"
"0 trans fatty acids"
"zero trans fatty acids"
"without trans fatty acids"
Note: "trans fatty acids" may be substituted with "trans fat" or "trans" in the above claims.
"contains no trans fatty acids"
"contains no trans fat"

The food:
(a) contains less than 0.2 g of trans fatty acids per
(i) reference amount and serving of stated size, or
(ii) serving of stated size, if the food is a prepackaged meal; and
(b) meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

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
"reduced in trans fatty acids"
"reduced trans fatty acids"
"trans fatty acids-reduced"
Note: "trans fatty acids" may be substituted with "trans fat" or "trans" in the above claims.
"less trans fatty acids"
"less trans fat"
"lower trans fatty acids"
"lower trans fat"
"lower in trans fatty acids"
"lower in trans fat"
"fewer 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
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in trans fatty acids with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 23

c) Lower in trans fatty acids
"lower in trans fatty acids"
"lower trans fatty acids"
"less trans fatty acids"
Note: "trans fatty acids" may be substituted with "trans fat" or "trans" in the above claims.
"fewer trans fatty acids"

(1) The food contains at least 25% less trans fatty acids and the content of saturated fatty acids is not higher
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The reference food of the same food group does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in trans fatty acids compared to the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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
"source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids"
"contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids"
"provides omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids"
Note: "polyunsaturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "polyunsaturated fat" or "polyunsaturates" in the above claims.
It cannot be stated as "omega-3" without the "polyunsaturates" added. Refer to Implied nutrient content claims for further information.

The food contains:
(a) 0.3 g or more of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per reference amount and serving of stated size; or
(b) 0.3 g or more of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per 100 g, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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.01.401(3)(e)(ii)
Table following B.01.513, item 25

b) Source of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids
"source of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids"
"contains omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids"
"provides omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids"
Note: "polyunsaturated fatty acids" may be substituted with "polyunsaturated fat" or "polyunsaturates" in the above claims.
It cannot be stated as "omega-6" without the "polyunsaturates" added. Refer to Implied nutrient content claims for further information.

The food contains:
(a) 2 g or more of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids per reference amount and serving of stated size; or
(b) 2 g or more of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids per 100 g, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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
"free of cholesterol"
"cholesterol-free"
"no cholesterol"
"0 cholesterol"
"zero cholesterol"
"without cholesterol"
"contains no cholesterol"

The food
(a) contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol
(i) per reference amount and serving of stated size, or
(ii) per serving of stated size, if the food is a prepackaged meal; and
(b) meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

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 27

b) Low in cholesterol
"low in cholesterol"
"low cholesterol"
"low source of cholesterol"
"little cholesterol"
"contains only (number) mg of cholesterol per serving"
"contains less than (number) mg of cholesterol per serving"

The food
(a) contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per
(i) reference amount and serving of stated size and, if the reference amount is 30 g or 30 mL or less, per 50 g, or
(ii) per 100 g, if the food is a prepackaged meal; and
(b) meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 28

c) Reduced in cholesterol
"reduced in cholesterol"
"reduced cholesterol"
"cholesterol- reduced"
"less cholesterol"
"lower cholesterol"
"lower in cholesterol"

(1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less cholesterol
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in cholesterol" (item b) of this table).
(3) The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in cholesterol with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in milligrams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 29

d) Lower in cholesterol
"lower in cholesterol"
"lower cholesterol"
"less cholesterol"

(1) The food contains at least 25% less cholesterol
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The reference food of the same food group does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in cholesterol" (item b) of this table).
(3) The food meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in saturated fatty acids" (item b) of Summary table of saturated fatty acid claims).

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in cholesterol with the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in milligrams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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
"free of sodium"
"sodium-free"
"no sodium"
"0 sodium"
"zero sodium"
"without sodium"
"contains no sodium"
"free of salt"
"salt-free"
"no salt"
"0 salt"
"zero salt"
"without salt"
"contains no salt"

The food contains:
(a) less than 5 mg of sodium per reference amount and serving of stated size; or
(b) less than 5 mg of sodium or salt per serving of stated size, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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
"low in sodium"
"low sodium"
"low source of sodium"
"little sodium"
"contains only (number) mg of sodium per serving"
"contains less than (number) mg of sodium per serving"
"low salt"
"low in salt"
"low source of salt"
"little salt"
"contains only (number) mg of salt per serving"
"contains less than (number) mg of salt per serving"

The food contains:
(a) 140 mg or less of sodium per reference amount and serving of stated size and, if the reference amount is 30 g or 30 mL or less, per 50 g; or
(b) 140 mg or less of sodium per 100 g, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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
"reduced in sodium"
"reduced sodium"
"sodium-reduced"
"less sodium"
"lower in sodium"
"reduced in salt"
"reduced salt"
"salt-reduced"
"less salt"
"lower salt"
"lower in salt"

1) The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less sodium
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in sodium or salt" set out in item b) of this table.

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in sodium content with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in milligrams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 33

d) Lower in sodium or salt
"lower in sodium"
"less sodium"
"lower sodium"
"lower in salt"
"less salt"
"lower salt"

1) The food contains at least 25% less sodium
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
2) The reference food of the same food group does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in sodium or salt" set out in item b) of this table.

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in sodium content with the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in milligrams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 34

e) No added sodium or salt
"no added sodium"
"without added sodium"
"no sodium added"
"no added salt"
"without added salt"
"no salt added"
"unsalted"
May be used for Nutrient content claims on food intended solely for children under 2 years of age
[B.01.503(2)(d), FDR]

1) The food contains no added salt, other sodium salts or ingredients that contain sodium that functionally substitute for added salt.
2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in sodium or salt" set out in item b) of this table and contains added salt or other sodium salts.
Note: Sodium or salt may not be an ingredient or a component of an ingredient of a product carrying the claim.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 35

f) Lightly salted
"lightly salted"
"salted lightly"

1) The food contains at least 50% less sodium added than the sodium added to the similar reference food.
2) The similar reference food does not meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "low in sodium or salt" set out in item b) of this table.

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in sodium content with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in milligrams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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:
"free of sodium or salt" (item a) of this table),
"low in sodium or salt" (item b) of this table),
"reduced in sodium or salt" (item c) of this table), or
"lower in sodium or salt" (item d) of this table).

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:
"free of sodium or salt" (item a) of this table),
"low in sodium or salt" (item b) of this table).

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.

Summary table of potassium claims
Column 1
Claim
Column 2
Conditions - Food
Column 3
Conditions - Label or advertisement
Column 4
FDR reference

a) "source of potassium"
"contains 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"
"high in 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"
"very high in 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:

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
"free of sugar"
"sugar-free"
"no sugar"
"0 sugar"
"zero sugar"
"without sugar"
"contains no sugar"
"sugarless"

The food
(a) contains less than 0.5 g of sugars per reference amount and serving of stated size; and
(b) with the exception of chewing gum, meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "free of energy" set out in item a) of the Summary table of energy and calorie claims.

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 37

b) Reduced in sugars
"reduced in sugar"
"reduced sugar"
"sugar-reduced"
"less sugar"
"lower sugar"
"lower in sugar"

The food is processed, formulated, reformulated or otherwise modified so that it contains at least 25% less sugars, totalling at least 5 g less
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

The following are identified:
(a) the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in sugars with the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 38

c) Lower in sugars
"lower in sugar"
"lower sugar"
"less sugar"

The food contains at least 25% less sugars, totalling at least 5 g less,
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in sugars with the reference food of the same food group, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 39

d) No added sugars
"no added sugar"
"no sugar added"
"without added sugar"
May be used for Nutrient content claims on food intended solely for children under 2 years of age
[B.01.503(2)(e), FDR]

1) The food contains no added sugars and no ingredients containing added sugars or ingredients that contain sugars that functionally substitute for added sugars.
2) The sugars content is not increased through some other means except where the functional effect is not to increase the sugars content of the food.
3) The similar reference food contains added sugars.
Refer to information letter Criteria for the nutrient content claim no 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")
2) The food does not contain a sweetener set out in the List of permitted sweeteners.

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)
B.24.003(1.1)

h) "dietetic" or "diet" with respect to the sugars content of the food, including when used in the brand name.
Conditions for use with energy and sodium claims – See Summary table of energy and calorie claims and Summary table for sodium (salt) claims.

Reserved for foods for special dietary use as regulated by B.24.003.
The food meets the conditions for the claim:
"Free of sugars" (see 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)
B.24.003(4)

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.
Nutrition Facts table must include the amount of starch expressed in grams per serving of stated size.
When used in an advertisement, must comply with the requirements for advertisements.

B.01.403
B.01.402(4) table, item 13
B.01.502(2)(g)

j) Words that characterize the amount of lactose present in a food

This is not a claim covered by the Regulations.
Note: a food claiming to be lactose-free should contain no detectable lactose.

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",
or
other claims characterizing the addition of sugars to the food,
such as, "Sweetened", "sweetened with honey", "sweetened with fruit juice"

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
"source of fibre"
"contains fibre"
"provides fibre"
"made with fibre"
Note: in the above claims, "fibre" may be substituted with "(naming the fibre)", "(naming the fibre source)", or "dietary fibre"

(1) The food contains 2 g or more of
(a) fibre per reference amount and serving of stated size, if no fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim; or
(b) each identified fibre or fibre from an identified fibre source per reference amount and serving of stated size, if a fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim.
(2) The food contains at least one ingredient that meets the condition set out in (1), if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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 41

b) High source of fibre
"high source of fibre"
"high fibre"
"high in fibre"
Note: in the above claims, "fibre" may be substituted with "(naming the fibre)", "(naming the fibre source)", or
"dietary fibre"

(1) The food contains 4 g or more of
(a) fibre per reference amount and serving of stated size, if no fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim; or
(b) each identified fibre or fibre from an identified fibre source per reference amount and serving of stated size, if a fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim.
(2) The food contains at least one ingredient that meets the condition set out in (1), if the food is a prepackaged meal.

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
"very high source of fibre"
"very high fibre"
"very high in fibre"
"fibre rich"
"rich in fibre"
Note: in the above claims, "fibre" may be substituted with "(naming the fibre)" "(naming the fibre source)", or
"dietary fibre"

(1) The food contains 6 g or more of
(a) fibre per reference amount and serving of stated size, if no fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim; or
(b) each identified fibre or fibre from an identified fibre source per reference amount and serving of stated size, if a fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim.
(2) The food contains at least one ingredient that meets the condition set out in (1), if the food is a prepackaged meal.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

Table following B.01.513, item 43

d) More fibre
"more fibre"
"higher fibre"
"higher in fibre"
Note: in the above claim, "fibre" may be substituted with "(naming the fibre)", "(naming the fibre source)" or "dietary fibre"

(1) The food contains at least:
i) 25% more fibre, totalling at least 1 g or more, if no fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim, or
ii) 25% more of the identified fibre or fibre from an identified fibre source, totalling at least 1 g or more, if a fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim
(a) per reference amount of the food, than the reference amount of a reference food of the same food group or a similar reference food; or
(b) per 100 g, than 100 g of a reference food of the same food group or a similar reference food, if the food is a prepackaged meal.
(2) The food contains at least:
(a) 2 g of fibre per reference amount and serving of stated size if no fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim, or of identified fibre or fibre from an identified fibre source per reference amount and serving of stated size if a fibre or fibre source is identified in the statement or claim; or
(b) one ingredient that meets the conditions set out in column 2 of the subject "source of fibre" set out in item a) of this table, if the food is a prepackaged meal.

The following are identified:
(a) the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food;
(b) the amounts of the food and the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food being compared, if those amounts are not equal; and
(c) the difference in fibre with the reference food of the same food group or the similar reference food, expressed by percentage or fraction or in grams per serving of stated size.
(See Comparative nutrient content claims for more information.)
See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

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:

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:

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.

Summary table of vitamin and mineral claims
Column 1
Claim
Column 2
Conditions - Food
Column 3
Conditions - Label or advertisement
Column 4
FDR reference

a) any vitamin or mineral nutrient claim
Examples:
"contains"
"source of"
"contains 8 essential nutrients"

The vitamin or mineral must be set out in column 1 of Part 2 of the Table of daily values.
The food provides ≥5% of Daily value per serving of stated size.
Claims are based on the total nutrient level, with the following exception:
where fortification is not permitted and additives contribute 25% or more of the total nutrient level, any claim must only be based upon the naturally occurring nutrient level.

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
D.02.002
B.01.402(4)
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii)

b)
"good source of"
"high in"

The vitamin or mineral must be set out in column 1 of Part 2 of the Table of daily values.
The food provides ≥15% of DV, except ≥30% of DV for vitamin C.
Claims are based on the total nutrient level, with the following exception:
where fortification is not permitted and additives contribute 25% or more of the total nutrient level, any claim must only be based upon the naturally occurring nutrient level.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

D.01.004
D.02.002
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii)
B.01.402(4)

c)
"excellent source of"
"very high in"
"rich in"
“a valuable source of”

The vitamin or mineral must be set out in column 1 of Part 2 of the Table of daily values.
The food provides ≥25% of DV, except ≥50% of DV for vitamin C.
Claims are based on the total nutrient level, with the following exception: where fortification is not permitted and additives contribute 25% or more of the total nutrient level, any claim must only be based upon the naturally occurring nutrient level.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

D.01.004
D.02.002
B.01.402(4)
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii)

d)
"added vitamins"
"fortified/enriched with (naming the vitamin or mineral nutrient)"
"vitaminized with (naming the vitamin)"

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).
Minimum and maximum amounts to be added are regulated.
Claims are based on the total nutrient level, with the following exception: where fortification is not permitted and additives contribute 25% or more of the total nutrient level.

See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) of this table.

D.01.009
D.01.010
D.01.011
D.02.009
D.01.004
D.02.002
B.01.402(4)

e)
"(%, fraction or number) more (name of vitamin or mineral nutrient) than (naming reference food)"
"higher in (named vitamin and/or mineral nutrients) than ..."

Compared to the reference food, the product must be:
a) ≥25% increase in the claimed vitamin or mineral nutrient; and
b) have a significant absolute difference in the vitamin or mineral nutrient content of ≥10% of the Daily value of the vitamin or mineral nutrient.
Claims are based on the total nutrient level, with the following exception: where fortification is not permitted and additives contribute 25% or more of the total nutrient level, any claim must only be based upon the naturally occurring nutrient level.

The (%, fraction or number) more (name of vitamin or mineral nutrient) than (naming the reference food) to be either:
a) part of, or grouped with, the most prominent claim that the food is higher in a vitamin or mineral nutrient;
or
b) clearly linked to this statement:
i) when the claim is made on the label;
and/or
ii) in the advertisement when the claim is made in the advertisement.
Nutrition Facts table must include a declaration of the content of the claimed vitamin or mineral per serving of stated size, both in terms of absolute amount and % 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. See conditions set out in column 3 for item a) above.

D.01.004
D.02.002
B.01.402(4)
B.01.401(3)(e)(ii)

"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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