Canada's food supply is increasingly global in nature and many Canadians are seeking clearer information about the foods they buy. Recognizing this, the Government of Canada has taken action to improve the labelling information on food products and to help Canadians make better purchasing decisions.
Following the launch of the Healthy Canadians website on October 24th, 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Canada's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan on December 17th, 2007, with the goal of ensuring Canada's product safety standards are second to none.
As part of the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan, the Government committed to reviewing the policy on the use of "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" claims on food labels and in advertising.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered on this commitment on May 21, 2008, by unveiling the new Canadian Food Labelling Initiative together with Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The new Canadian Food Labelling Initiative improves the definition of "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" on food labels and advertising, to ensure that Canadians are better informed about the food products they purchase.
The revised guidelines will come into effect on December 31, 2008. It is recognized that many products produced or manufactured before this date may already be on store shelves. However, it is expected that all products produced after this date would comply with the new guidelines.
