Forward Regulatory Plan 2022-2024: Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Food and Drugs Act (Nutrition Symbols, Other Labelling Provisions, Partially Hydrogenated Oils and Vitamin D)
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Food and Drugs Act (Nutrition Symbols, Other Labelling Provisions, Partially Hydrogenated Oils and Vitamin D)
Enabling Act
Description
Health Canada is proposing amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations to support Canadians' ability to make healthier food choices.
Specifically, the proposed amendments would: (1) introduce front-of-package labelling for certain prepackaged foods high in sodium, sugars and saturated fat; (2) update nutrient content claims and quantitative statements; (3) remove unnecessary labelling rules for high-intensity sweeteners; (4) ensure a coherent prohibition on the use of partially hydrogenated oils; and, (5) increase the mandatory level of vitamin D addition in milks (cow and goat) and margarine.
This initiative was identified as a commitment in the Minister of Health's 2021 Mandate Letter.
This regulatory proposal is also linked to the Health Canada / Canadian Food Inspection Agency Joint Policy Statement on Food Labelling Coordination.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
This initiative is not part of a formal regulatory cooperation work plan.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations support the need to assist consumers in making healthier choices through the use of simplified, science-based nutrition information on the front of food packages. This proposal aligns with similar initiatives in other jurisdictions (e.g., Mexico, Chile)
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The proposed amendments would apply to businesses involved in the sale of pre-packaged food products in Canada.
It is anticipated that this proposal would improve Canadians' access to easy-to-use information on foods high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat to help reduce excessive consumption of these nutrients.
There may be positive impacts including reductions in risk of disease due to improved nutrition and health care savings as a result. Some industry stakeholders may choose to reformulate impacted products to avoid a front-of-package nutrition symbol. Costs may be incurred by some businesses as a result of the proposed labelling requirements.
Consultations
Stakeholder engagement and consultations has been ongoing since 2016.
Health Canada pre-published the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on February 10, 2018, for a 75-day comment period
Health Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in spring 2022.
As per the Health Canada / Canadian Food Inspection Agency Joint Policy Statement on Food Labelling Coordination, the target compliance date for these amendments will be January 1, 2026.
Further information
Related information can be found on:
Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy
Meetings and correspondence on healthy eating
Consumer Opinions of "High In" Front of Pack Labelling Strategies – Final Report
Consultation on front-of-package nutrition labelling
Consumer Research on Front of Package Nutrition Labelling
Additional information can 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 number: 613-321-4235
Email: lrm.consultations-mlr@hc-sc.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
April 2017
Consult Health Canada's acts and regulations web page for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by Health Canada
- further information on Health Canada's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
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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