Industry Advisory Composition and Labelling of Pomegranate Juice to Ensure Compliance with Canadian Requirements

News Release

To: All importers, processors and distributors of pomegranate juices
and products containing pomegranate juice in Canada
Re: Composition and Labelling of Pomegranate Juice
As a result of monitoring activities, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has
determined that some imported pomegranate juices do not meet the compositional standards
for fruit juices and contain non-permitted additives (including colours) and false or
misleading claims. Appropriate action has been taken by the CFIA to address these issues.
The purpose of this advisory is to remind importers, processors, and distributors of their
responsibilities for ensuring that products imported into Canada for sale are safe,
correctly labelled, and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Composition
The Food and Drug Regulations and the Processed Product Regulations
outline specific standards of composition for fruit juice. A food represented as
pomegranate juice must meet the compositional standard established for fruit juice by the
applicable regulations, more specifically, subsection B.11.120 of the Food and Drug
Regulations and Section 13, Schedule II of the Processed Products Regulations.
Beverages that do not meet the compositional standard for fruit juice can not be labelled
as juice.
Labelling
Pomegranate juice labelled as "pure" or "100%" must contain only
pomegranate juice and may not contain sugar or any other ingredients. Label claims must be
accurate. The sale of pomegranate juice with false or misleading claim(s) regarding the
nature or character of the product may be considered a contravention of subsection 5(1) of
the Food and Drugs Act and subsections 7(1) & 7(2)of the Consumer
Packaging and Labelling Act.
Additives
Subsection B.01.008 (1)(b) of the Food and Drug Regulations requires an
ingredient list to be shown on the label of pre-packaged products consisting of more than
one ingredient. Any added ingredients, including food additives, must be declared in the
ingredient list. Division 16 of the Food and Drug Regulations identifies food
additives that are permitted in food products. The amount of food additive allowed and the
purpose of addition are also prescribed.
Industry Responsibilities
Companies are responsible for working with their suppliers to ensure that imported
pomegranate juice products are safe, correctly labelled, and meet all regulatory
requirements. The CFIA will take enforcement action when any non-compliant pomegranate
juice products are sold or distributed in Canada.
For further information on this issue, please contact your local CFIA office.
Area Contacts:

Fair Labelling Practices Program
Processed Products Program

West
Kevin Gallagher
604-666-2475
Christine Sakowski
306-780-5172

Ontario
Dianne DelZotto
519-826-2835
Silvano DeMonte
519-826-2836

Quebec
Diana Weigel-Moreau
514-283-3815 ext. 4267
Claude Grenier
514-283-8888 ext. 4331

Atlantic
Dave McLennon
709-772-6746
Monique Pellerin
506-851-7911

Headquarters
Yin Lee
519-826-2874
Amélie Morin
613-221-7166

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2016-12-15

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Industry Advisory Composition and Labelling of Pomegranate Juice to Ensure Compliance with Canadian Requirements

News Release

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