Forward Regulatory Plan 2023-2025: Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Restricting the Advertising to Children of Certain Foods Containing Sodium, Sugars or Saturated Fat)

Title of Regulatory Initiative

Amending to the Food and Drug Regulations (Restricting the Advertising to Children of Certain Foods Containing Sodium, Sugars or Saturated Fat)

Enabling Act

Food and Drugs Act

Description

Health Canada is proposing amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations that would introduce new restrictions on the advertising to children of certain foods containing sodium, sugars or saturated fat.

The proposed amendments would reduce children’s exposure to, and the power of, advertising of certain foods to lower the risk of obesity and diet-related chronic disease.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

This initiative is not part of a formal regulatory cooperation work plan.

Potential impacts on people in Canada, including businesses

It is anticipated that this proposal would reduce children's exposure to and the power of the advertising of certain foods containing sodium, sugars or saturated fat (over specific thresholds) resulting in the development of healthier eating habits and, ultimately, lower risk of obesity and related chronic diseases in adulthood. Businesses involved in advertising food to children may have a reduction in revenue.

The proposed restrictions would apply to companies and entities involved in advertising food to children. This includes, but is not limited to, food manufacturers, producers and importers, food retailers and restaurants, broadcasters, digital media, as well as advertising and marketing agencies.

Consultations

Health Canada engaged and consulted extensively on this initiative between 2016 and 2019. Health Canada consulted on an updated policy approach in spring 2023, online and via webinars, which included industry, health stakeholders and members of the public.

People in Canada will have the opportunity to provide comments on the regulatory proposal during the Canada Gazette, Part I public comment period, which is expected to take place in spring 2024.

Further information

Related information may be found on:

Consultation: Restricting food advertising primarily directed at children

Meetings and correspondence on healthy eating

Health Canada's healthy eating strategy

Additional information may be requested from the departmental contact.

Departmental contact information

Bruno Rodrigue
Executive Director
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Modernization
Policy, Planning and International Affairs Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada

Telephone: 613-321-4235
Email: lrm.consultations-mlr@hc-sc.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 2021

Consult Health Canada's acts and regulations web page for:

Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:

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