Food > Labelling > Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising > Chapter 12 Chapter 12 - Guide to the Labelling of HoneyPrepackaged and Bulk Product Chapter 12 of this Guide applies to pure honey (creamed or liquid or pasteurized) which has been produced in federally registered establishments and is destined for interprovincial or import or export trade and is covered under the Honey Regulations. Some comments have been included for honey which is not covered under the Honey Regulations as it is not traded inter-provincially or imported or exported or because it differs from the standard of identity for honey (i.e. strawberry flavoured honey). Comments have also been included for related honey products, such as honey on honey combs, which are not covered by standards under the Honey Regulations. All of these products are also regulated by the
12.1 Common Name [35(1)(a)(i), 47(10(c)(i), Schedule I Table IV, HR; B.01.001, B.01.006; 10(b)(ii), CPLA; or individual provincial regulations]Honey Covered by the Honey Regulations The common names for honey are detailed in section 35(1) and 47(1)(c)(i) of the Honey Regulations. Common names may include "honeydew honey", "Lavender honey", "Rubinia honey", "alfalfa honey", "Banksia menziesii honey", or the name "honey" either alone or accompanied by the name of the blossom (i.e. clover honey). The composition standards for each of the variety honeys is found in Table IV, Schedule I of the Honey Regulations. Honey and Honey Products Not Covered by the Honey Regulations The common name for honey is prescribed in Sections B.18.025-B.18.027 of the Food and Drug Regulations. Products described as honey must meet these standards of identity. If a honey is combined with another ingredient, such as a flavour, royal jelly, or other, the common name must describe how the product deviates from the standard (i.e. strawberry flavoured honey, honey with royal jelly, etc.). For all other products, such as Royal Jelly, the common name must be descriptive of the product. 12.1.1 Location on the Label [35(1)(a)(i), 47(1)(c), HR; B.01.006(1); 12(b), CPLR]The common name must be shown on the principal display panel of the label. 12.1.2 Minimum Type Height [35(3), 47(2), HR; 14(1), 15, CPLR]The minimum type height must be 1.6 mm. 12.1.3 Language [35(2), 47(4) HR; B.01.001, B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]The common name must appear in both French and English. 12.2 Net Quantity Declaration [35(1)(a)(iv), 47(1)(c)(iv), HR; 4, CPLA; 22(1), CPLR]For honey, the net quantity must declared in metric units of weight (grams "g" or kilograms "kg"). For honey graded under the Honey Regulations, there are standard container sizes which are listed below. 12.2.1 Standard Container Sizes for Honey [29(2), 29(4), 31, 47(1)(b), HR]The standard container sizes are applicable for honey which has been graded according to the Honey Regulations or that is marketed by a registered establishment - any weight up to an including 150 g, 250 g, 375 g, 500 g, 750 g, 1 kg, 1.5 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg or 5 kg The Minister may permit the sale of honey packed in novelty containers of non-standard sizes. He may authorize for experimental use containers not set out in section 29. [29(4), 31, HR] 12.2.2 Location on the Label [35(1)(a), 47(2), HR; B.01.006(1); 12(a), CPLR]The net quantity declaration be shown on the principal display panel of the label. 12.2.3 Minimum Type Height [35(4), 47(3), HR; 14, 15, CPLR]For the type height requirements for the numeric portion of the net quantity declaration, please refer to section 12.4.4 below. The type height for the symbols "kg" and "g" shall appear in lettering not less than 1.6 mm in height. 12.2.4 Language [35(2), 47(4), HR; B.01.012(2); 6(2), CPLR]This information must appear in French and English. 12.3 Honey: Grade [5.(1), 5.1(a) & (b), 7, 35(1)(a)(ii), 47(1)(c), Schedule 1, Table III, HR]The grade or grade designation is required on the label of all honey that is subject to the Honey Regulations. These grades may not be used on products which do not meet the requirements of the Honey Regulations. Honey to which the Honey Regulations apply, that is sound, wholesome and fit for human consumption but does not meet the requirements of Canada No. 1, Canada No. 2 or Canada No. 3 grade, shall be marked "substandard". Substandard grades are not permitted for imported products. Grades (domestic product or repackaged imported product) or Grade designations may be used in the following cases:
A grade declaration on a product for which a grade standard is prescribed cannot be used unless the Canadian business is registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). (Exception is Ontario which is under review.)
Note: Combining declarations of country of origin and grade is not permitted, e.g. "Product of / Produit du Canada No. 1" is not a permitted statement. 12.3.1 Location on the Label [35(1)(a), 47(1)(c), 47(2), HR]The grade or grade designation must appear on the principal display surface of the label. 12.3.2 Minimum Type Height [35(3), 47(2), HR]Refer to 12.4.4 below. 12.3.3 Language [35(2), 47(4), HR; B.01.011]This information must appear in French and English. 12.4 Honey: Colour [35(1)(a)(ii), 47(1)(c)(ii), Schedule 1, Table I, HR]The colour class designation is required immediately following the Grade designation on the label of all honey that is subject to the Honey Regulations. These classes may not be used on products which do not meet the requirements of the Honey Regulations. Colour Class Designation for Prepackaged Honey
12.4.1 Location on the Label [35(1)(a)(ii), HR]The class designation must be printed immediately after the grade on the principal display surface of the label. 12.4.2 Minimum Type Height [35(3), 47(2), HR]Refer to 12.4.4 below. 12.4.3 Language [35(2), 47(4), HR]This information must appear in French and English. 12.4.4 Type Height for Net Quantity, Grade and Colour Declarations
12.5 Other Required Markings12.5.1 Applicable Words [35(1)(a)(v), 47(1)(c)(vii), HR]For honey subject to the Honey Regulations, the following information must also appear, where applicable:
12.5.2 Location on the Label [35(1)(a), 47(2), HR]This information must be written on the principal display surface of the label. 12.5.3 Minimum Type Height [35(3), 47(2), HR]The minimum type height must be 1.6 mm. 12.5.4 Language [35(2), 47(4), HR]This information must appear in French and English. 12.5.5. Brand or Trade Name [35(1)(b)(ii), HR]The brand or trade name (if any)must also be shown on the label and may appear on any panel other than the one located on the bottom of the container. This applies to domestic product only. 12.6 Name and Address [35(1)(b)(i), 47(1)(c)(vi), HR]12.6.1 Location on the Label [35(1)(b)(i), 47(1)(c)(vi), 47(2), HR; 13, CPLR]For domestic honey covered by the Honey Regulations, the following must appear on any panel of the label other than a panel located on the bottom of the container:
For imported honey covered by the Honey Regulations, the following must be clearly and prominently displayed on the label so as to be readily discernible:
For honey and honey products not covered by the Honey Regulations, the name and address must be shown as for all other prepackaged products, i.e., on any part of the label except that part of the label , if any applied to the bottom of the container. The name and address may appear in one of three formats for imported products:
12.6.2 Minimum Type Height [35(3), 47(2), HR]The minimum type height is 1.6 mm. 12.6.3 Language [35(2), 47(4), HR]This information must appear in French and English. 12.7 Country of Origin [37, 47(1)(c)(v), HR]For products not covered by the Honey Regulations, there is no requirement for country of origin markings beyond the name and address requirements indicated above 12.6.1 of this Guide. For honey covered by the Honey Regulations, see the requirements indicated below. Domestic Honey [37(1), HR] Where honey produced in Canada is graded under the Honey Regulations, the container shall be marked with the words "Product of Canada" / "Produit du Canada" or "Canadian Honey" / "Miel canadien". Imported Honey [37(2), 47(1)(c)(v), 52(2), HR] Where imported honey is repacked (unblended) as prepackaged honey and graded under the Honey Regulations, the containers shall be marked with the name of the country of origin preceded by the words "Product of". Prepackaged imported honey must be marked with the name of the country of origin preceded by the words "Product of". [47(1)(c)(v), HR] Blend of Domestic and Imported Honey [37(3), 52(1), HR] Where imported honey is blended with Canadian honey and is graded under the Honey Regulations, the container must be marked with the words "A Blend of Canadian and (naming the source or sources) Honey" or "mélange de miel canadien et de miel (naming the source or sources)" or "A blend (naming the source or sources) Honey and Canadian Honey" or "mélange de miel (naming the source or sources) et de miel canadien". The sources must be named in descending order of their proportion. 12.7.1 Location on the Label [35(1)(b), HR; 13, 31(4), CPLR ]The statement of geographic origin shall be located immediately adjacent to the declaration of the dealer identity and principal place of business (see 12.6.1 of this Guide) 12.7.2 Minimum Type Height [35(3), HR; 14(4), CPLR ]The minimum type height must be 1.6 mm. 12.7.3 Language [35(2), 47(4) HR]This information must appear in French and English. 12.8 List of IngredientsFor single ingredient foods such as pure honey, the common name of the product is considered to be the list of ingredients. Multi-ingredient honey products such as flavoured honey, must show a list of ingredients must appear on any surface of the container, with the exception of the bottom in both French and English. The list of ingredients must comply with requirements of the Food and Drug Regulations. See 2.8 of this Guide for more information on how to declare the list of ingredients. Note: In some cases the common name may suffice as the list of ingredients if the name is sufficiently descriptive. 12.8.1 Location on the Label [B.01.005]The list of ingredients can be indicated on any surface of the label except the bottom. 12.8.2 Minimum Type Height [35(3), HR; 14(4), CPLR ]The minimum type height must be 1.6 mm. 12.8.3 Language [B.01.012(2)]This information must appear in French and English. 12.9 Nutrition LabellingAmendments to the Food and Drug Regulations will make nutrition labelling mandatory for most prepackaged products by December 12, 2005. Small companies with revenues from the sale of food of less than $1 million in Canada for the 12 months prior to December 12, 2002 have a five year transition period. These regulations affect processed products. More details on the requirements for nutrition labelling can be found in Chapters 5 and 6 of this Guide. 12.10 Nutrient Content ClaimsNutrient content claims can be made on some processed products. For more information on the conditions for making these claims, refer to Chapter 7 of this Guide. 12.11 Exemptions for Products for Export [54, HR]Section 54 of the Honey Regulations permits the exportation of honey which does not meet the provisions of the Regulations if
12.12 Labelling Requirements for Packages and Bulk Containers of Honey (subject to the Honey Regulations)12.12.1 Common Name [36(1)(a), 47(1)(d)(i), HR]See applicable names for prepackaged honey. (12.1 of this Guide) 12.12.2 Net Quantity Declaration [36(1)(d), 36(1)(e.i), 47(1)(d)(iv),HR]The net quantity must be declared in metric format in kilograms, or if less than one kilogram, in grams. 12.12.3 Standardized Container Sizes Honey Packaged in Bulk [30(2), 31, 47(1)(b),HR]The standardized container sizes for honey packaged in bulk are 7 kg, 15 kg, 30 kg, or in containers larger than 30 kg that are a multiple of 1 kg. The Minister may authorize for experimental use containers not set out in section 30. [31,HR] 12.12.4 The Number of Containers [36(1)(d), 47(1)(d)(iv),HR]The Number of Containers within the Package must be Indicated 12.12.5 Grade Name and Colour Classification [36(1)(b), 47(1)(d)(ii), Table II, Schedule I,HR]The grade name of the honey must be immediately followed by its colour classification. The colour classification for honey packed in bulk containers is different from that packed in prepackaged containers. The grade names are the same as for prepackaged honey. 12.12.5 Colour Class Designation for Honey Packed in Bulk Containers [ [36(1)(b), 47(1)(d)(ii), Schedule 1, Table II, HR]
12.12.7 Other Required Markings - Applicable WordsThe following words are required, where applicable [36(1)(g), 47(1)(d)(vii), HR]
12.12.8 Lot Number [36(1)(f), HR]A lot number is required on domestic honey subject to the Honey Regulations and which is packed in a bulk container. This information must appear with a minimum type size height of 9.5 mm. 12.12.9 Name and Address [36(1)(c), 47(1)(d)(vi), HR]Domestic Honey The name, address and registration number of the packer Imported Honey [47(1)(d)(vi), HR] The name and address in full of the packer or importer must be indicated on the container. 12.12.10 Country of Origin [37, 47(1)(d)(v),HR]Domestic Honey [37(1), HR] Where honey produced in Canada is graded under the Honey Regulations, the container shall be marked with the words "Product of Canada" / "Produit du Canada" or "Canadian Honey" / "Miel canadien". Imported Honey [47(1)(c)(v), 52(2), HR] The name of the country of origin preceded by the words "Product of" or "Produit de" on imported honey must be clearly marked on the label of bulk imported honey [47(1)(d)(v), HR] Blend of Domestic and Imported Honey [37(3), 52.(1), HR] Where imported honey is blended with Canadian honey and is graded under the Honey Regulations, the container must be marked with the words "A Blend of Canadian and (naming the source or sources) Honey" or "mélange de miel canadien et de miel (naming the source or sources)" or "A blend (naming the source or sources) Honey and Canadian Honey" or "mélange de miel (naming the source or sources) et de miel canadien". The sources must be named in descending order of their proportion. 12.12.11 Type Size Height [36 (2), 47(1)(d), HR]The markings shall be in distinctly legible block letters not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) in height:
12.12.12 Location on the Label [36(2), 47(1)(d), HR; B.01.005]The information must appear on at least one side or one end of the box, except for half barrels, barrels or larger containers (except the bottom). 12.12.13 Language [47(4), HR; B.01.012(11)]Domestic Product: This information need only be in one official
language. 12.12.14 Exemptions for Export [54, HR]Section 54 of the Honey Regulations permits the exportation of honey which does not meet the provisions of the Regulations if
12.12.15 Exemptions for Interprovincial Trade [54.2(2), HR]Section 54(2) of the Honey Regulations exempt honey, packed in bulk containers and marketed in interprovincial trade, from labelling and grade requirements if the following conditions are met:
Summary Table of Labelling Requirements for
Pre-Packaged Honey
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Prepackaged HONEY Import (47, HR) Export (34, 53, HR) ~ Interprovincial : Section (53, 54.2, HR) |
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Requirements | Type Height | Location on Label | Language | References (HR) |
Common Name :"Honey"
"Honey" only or accompanied with the name of the blossom |
1.6 mm |
principal display panel |
English and French | 35(1)(a)(i),
35(2), 35(3), 47(1)(c)(i) 47(2), 47(4), Schedule I, Table IV. mandatory |
Net quantity g or kg
Standard containers are prescribed for prepacked honey [29(2), HR] any size up to and including 150g; 250g; 375g; 500g; 750g; 1kg; 1.5kg; 2kg; 3kg; 5kg; The Minister may permit the sale of novelty containers of non standard sizes or experimental use sizes. |
minimum 1.6 mm (Numeric portion - See 12.4.4 of this Guide) |
principal display panel | English and French, unless bilingual symbols are used | 29(2), 29(4) 31, 35(1)(a)(iv), 35(2), 35(3), 35(4), 47(1)(b), 47(1)(c)(iv), 47(2), 47(3), 47(4) mandatory |
Grade
Packed in Canada: If imported, the grade designation is as follows: Note: There is no "substandard" grade designation for imported products. |
minimum 1.6 mm (See 12.4.4) |
principal display panel | English and French | 5(1), 7, 35(1)(a)(ii),
35(2), 35(3), 47(1)(c)(ii), 47(2), 47(4),
Schedule I, Table III mandatory |
Colour
- white; golden; amber; dark |
minimum 1.6 mm (See 12.4.4) |
principal display panel | English and French | 35(1)(a)(ii), 35(2),
35(3), 47(1)(c)(ii) 47(2), 47(4), Schedule
1, Table I mandatory |
Additional Requirements
"liquid" as applicable - Only if the honey has been heat-treated to avoid rapid cristallisation. "creamed" as applicable -or any other word(s) indicating that the contents are granulated. "Pressed" when applicable "Pasteurized"/"Pasteurisé" - Only if the honey has been heat-treated by a registered pasteurizing plant so that the honey is free of viable sugar-tolerant yeasts. - Not applicable to prepackaged imported product |
minimum 1.6 mm | principal display panel | English and French | 35(1)(a)(v), 35(2),
35(3), 47(1)(c)(vii), 47(2), 47(4) mandatory |
Name and Address
domestic product: imported product: |
minimum 1.6 mm | any surface except bottom |
English and French |
35(1)(b)(i), 35(2), 35(3), 47(1)(c)(vi), 47(2), 47(4); 6(2), CPLR mandatory |
Country of origin
Canadian honey Imported honey Blended from different countries |
minimum 1.6 mm | any surface except bottom | English and French | 35(2), 37(1)(2)(3), 47(1)(c)(v), 47(2), 47(4), 52(1), 52(2). mandatory |
Brand or Trade-name (product packaged in Canada) |
minimum 1.6 mm | any surface except bottom | English and French | 35(1)(b)(ii),
35(2), 35(3) when applicable |
Prepackaged HONEY |
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Requirements |
Type Height |
Location on Label |
Language |
References |
Common Name : "Honey"
"Honey" only or accompanied with the name of the blossom |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
English or French English and French (imported) |
36(1)(a), 36(2), 47(1)(d)(I), 47(4), Schedule I,
Table IV
B.01.012(11), FDR
|
Net Quantity in kg
standardized container sizes: 7kg; 15kg; 30kg or in containers larger than 30kg which are a multiple of 1kg The Minister may authorize for experimental use containers Number of containers therein - marked on shipping containers containing prepackaged product (domestic) |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
English or French English and French unless bilingual symbols used (imported) |
30(2), 31, 36(1)(d), 36(1)(e.1), 36(2) 47(1)(b),
47(1)(d)(iv), 47(4)
B.01.012(11), FDR
|
Grade
Packed in Canada: If imported, the grade designation is as follows: There is no "substandard " grade designation for imported products |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
English or French English and French (imported) |
5(1), 7, 36(1)(b), 36(2), 47(1)(d), 47(1)(d)(ii), 47(4), Schedule I
Table III
B.01.012(11), FDR
|
Colour
extra white; white; |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
English or French English and French (imported) |
36(1)(b), 36(2), 47(1)(d), 47(1)(d)(ii), 47(4), Schedule 1, Table II
B.01.012(11), FDR
|
Other Requirements:
"liquid" as applicable -Only if the honey has been heat-treated to avoid rapid crystallisation. "creamed" as applicable - or any other word(s) indicating that the contents are granulated. "pressed" when applicable "pasteurized" - Only if the honey has been heat-treated by a registered pasteurizing plant so that the honey is free of viable sugar-tolerant yeasts. (Domestic product only) |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
English or French English and French (imported) |
36(1)(g), B.01.012(11), FDR |
Lot number (product packed in Canada) |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
______ |
36(1)(f), |
Name and Address
Domestic Product: Name, address and registration number of the packer Imported Product: Name and address of the packer or the importer |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters |
on at least one side or one end of the box |
English or French English and French (imported) |
36(1)(c), 36(2), 47(1)(d), 47(1)(d)(vi), 47(4)
B.01.012(11), FDR
|
Country of origin
Canadian honey "Product of Canada" or "Canadian honey" Imported honey "Product of ..." Blended from different countries "A blend of Canadian and...honey" or "A blend of...honey and Canadian honey" |
minimum 9.5 mm in distinctly legible block letters (for imported) |
on at least one side or one end of the container |
English or French English and French (imported) |
37(1)(2)(3), B.01.005, FDR |
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