Labelling Fact Sheet

Summary

• Basic information under The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act

• common or generic name of product in English and French;
• net contents by weight, volume, count or measure in metric units. Type size of declaration in direct relation to size of package; and
• name and address of a responsible party—manufacturer, packager or retailer.

In addition:

• Agricultural products under The Agricultural Products Standard Act and various Provincial Acts must state the established grade designation as applicable. (i.e., eggs—CANADA A LARGE, etc.; Potatoes—CANADA NO. 1, CANADA NO. 2; Frozen French Fries—CANADA FANCY; canned peaches—CANADA FANCY; etc.)
  

• Foods with more than one ingredient under The Food and Drugs Act must declare:

• a list of ingredients in descending order or by percentage in English and French;
• a "Best Before Date" on products with a shelf life of ninety (90) days or less, except meats packaged at retail level which must show the packaged date.
  

• Household chemicals under The Hazardous Products Act
  Specified household chemicals must carry a warning in print and by symbols showing the nature and degree of hazard. Poisonous household chemicals must also specify the poisonous substance by name and first-aid treatment. Warning must be in English and French.
  

• *Textile articles under The Textile Labelling Act require a declaration of:
  Fibre content by generic name and percentage in descending order of predominance.
  

• Either the name and address of a responsible party or a CA____ number registered with Industry Canada.

Note: CARE LABELLING AND CANADA STANDARD SIZING are not mandatory; however, if they are used, they must comply with the standard requirements.
                                                       
Obliteration of the required labelling information with price stickers or by any other means is contrary to the legislation and hides information of value to the consumer.

• Institutional Packaging
  Products packaged for sale to institutions or industry (including restaurants) are exempt from many of these labelling requirements. The required markings may appear on the packing cases but not on the individual package. When these packages are offered for sale to the general public, they are in violation of the Acts mentioned previously. Some examples of such packs are:

• disposable foam cups and paper plates;
• frozen fruits and vegetables (french fries);
• frozen fruit pies, etc;
• industrial solvents and cleaners.

Products in violation are subject to seizure. Repeated violations could result in prosecution.

These are the primary labelling requirements of the Acts mentioned. For more detailed information on these Regulations and the exceptions, contact Industry Canada, Competition Bureau toll-free at 1-800-348-5358 or visit their Label Assessment Tool Web page. Labels are the most cost effective way to apply the Universal Product Code (UPC) because of the production time saved.

Prepared by: Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, Business and Co-operative Service