|
Food > Labelling > Nutrition Labelling > Toolkit Section E - Available Display Surface (ADS)
Table of Contents
| Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D | Section E |
Note: The three tables in this section, which summarize the information about calculating ADS, are repeated in the special pull-out section of this toolkit, Section K Tools and Templates.
1. Calculating the Available Display SurfaceAvailable Display Surface is the surface of a food package that is available to support labelling information. The ADS is usually determined by numerical calculation. The calculation of the Available Display Surface is a pivotal concept in the application of the nutrition labelling requirements, because the choice of a NFT format and its size are based, in part, on the ADS of the package. In general, large packages must display the most desirable NFT formats.
Smaller packages may display smaller versions of a specific NFT. See the preceding chapter, Section D, for a Hierarchy of Formats. General Calculation Rules: A Definition of ADS [B.01.001]Most Pre-packaged ProductsThe ADS is defined as the total surface of a package and includes:
The ADS excludes:
Ornamental ContainersThe ADS is the total area of the bottom of an ornamental container or the total area of both sides of the tag attached to the ornamental container, whichever is greater. The area occupied by the Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol is excluded from the ADS. Definition: An ornamental container is a container that, except for the bottom, does not contain any promotional or advertising material thereon (other than a trade mark or common name) and that, because of any design appearing on its surface or because of its shape or texture, appears to be a decorative ornament and is sold as a decorative ornament in addition to being sold as the container of a product [B.01.001].
The container on the left is an ornamental container. The container on the right is no longer considered an ornamental container as it has a label affixed to the top of the container. Decorative Containers:Ornamental Containers Versus Decorative Containers A distinction must be made between an ornamental container and a decorative container. Ornamental containers have the potential for an extended life, as they are reusable. Decorative containers, although aesthetically pleasing, are usually not reusable because they are not sturdy enough and often get torn or damaged upon opening. Ornamental containers must be substantial enough to be sold on their own merit (i.e., without the food). Ornamental containers are usually made of metal (e.g., cookie tins), plastic or glass (e.g., candy-filled figurines). On the other hand, fabric-covered or embossed cardboard boxes for chocolates (e.g., for Valentines Day) are normally considered decorative rather than ornamental. There are no special exemptions for measuring the ADS of decorative containers.
TagsTags may be used on ornamental containers, on packages to which a label cannot be affixed and on smaller packages where the use of alternate methods of presentation is permitted. (See the preceding chapter for decision trees for Standard/Horizontal/Linear Formats, for Simplified Formats, and for the Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Food.) The definition of ADS, as set out in Section B.01.001, states that the total area of both sides of a tag attached to a package to which a label cannot be physically applied is considered ADS. The ADS does not include the area occupied by the Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol. The Nutrition Facts table may appear on either side of a tag and any version (size) of a suitable format may be used [B.01.454 - B.01.459 and B.01.461 - B.01.464]. Foods which might be labelled with a tag include oils in ornamental bottles, waxed-encased small cheeses in a mesh bag and foil-wrapped milk chocolate Easter eggs in a mesh bags.
The small package exemption (ADS < 100 cm² ) does not apply to tags.
Table E1: Definition of Available Display Surface (ADS) [B.01.001]
* Note: If tags are used on other pre-packaged products (i.e., not ornamental containers, packages that cannot affix a label, or small packages), then this rule does not apply. See the Table E3: Summary of ADS for Different Packaging Types. ** Note: Use of alternate methods of presentation applies to products using the standard/horizontal/linear and simplified format families, and in some instances, on products displaying an aggregate format different kinds of food. (See Decision Trees in Sections D and G.) . 2. Mathematical Calculations for the Area of Some Geometric Forms
3. Guidance on Measuring ADSAreas Destroyed Upon Opening e.g., tear strips, tamper sealsAreas of packaging that are destroyed upon opening (e.g., tear strips, tamper seals) are not considered ADS, unless the product is a single-serving package (i.e., the entire contents can be reasonably expected to be eaten by one person during a single eating occasion.)
Bag Closures zip lock, cut line, heat sealsThe ADS does not include zip locks, cut lines, or heat seals and the area past these closures (area often cut off when opening the package.)
CurvesAcute curves on rigid packaging are not considered ADS. However, gently sloping curves that may support a label or printed information (if printing appears directly on the package), are considered ADS.
"Eye Spot"Certain packaging processes use an electronic eye to cut packaging material to the correct length. An "eye spot", usually a dark oblong spot, is printed onto the continuous film of labelling material to trigger the cutting process. On the final package the eye spot is usually present on the seams. The area within the width of the eye spot, the whole length of the package, is not considered ADS. Gable EndsGabled ends of packaging, such as those found on milk cartons and on cookie bags, are not considered ADS unless label information (mandatory or non-mandatory) appears in these areas. However, public service information (e.g., Kids Help Phone), recycle information, opening instructions, or coding would not cause this area to be considered ADS.
Gathered Ends of Packaging MaterialWhen packaging material is gathered, making any written material impossible to read, this area is not considered ADS. Examples include the end of a bread bag, gathered ends of a tube of cookie dough or gathered ends of a prepackaged tube of ground beef. However, if this area is covered by a flat sticker, then the whole area is considered ADS. Note that ADS includes the whole area, even if the sticker is small. Examples include the end of a role of biscuits or cookies and the back of a round of cheese packaged in a paper overwrap. Note: The NFT should not be placed in gathered areas where printing is not legible at time of sale.
Labelling Information on Non-ADS SurfacesFor some packaging types, certain surfaces of the package are not considered ADS. This may include areas of the package where a label cannot be physically applied or where information cannot be legibly set out or viewed or the bottom of a package if the product would be damaged or leak if turned upside down to view the NFT. However, if labelling information exists on these surfaces (other than the UPC code or coding information, public service announcements (e.g., Kids Phone), recycle instructions, or opening instructions), then these areas become ADS. For example, the top and bottom of metal cans are not considered ADS. However, if a sticker is applied to the top of a metal can, then the top of the can is considered ADS.
LidsLids on jars and tubs are generally considered ADS. However, raised areas and ridges that interfere with labelling are excluded from ADS. Sides less than 10 mm wide, sides with spirals or grooves, and very small lids are also excluded. ADS includes the entire lid (top and sides).
ADS does not include the sides of lids with spirals or grooves.
Paper Labels on the Inside of Clear PackagesWhen paper labels are on the inside of a clear packaging material, then the ADS of the panels that are occupied by the paper label includes the whole panel. There is no consideration for minor ridges and uneven surfacing of these panels. Other panels that do not have inner paper labels are calculated as though they did have an inner paper label. In the case of this egg carton, the entire top and sides of the lid are considered ADS. However, since it would be almost impossible to place an inner paper label in the bottom cups, the bottom half of the egg carton is not considered ADS. Ridges in Packaging MaterialIn certain cases, ridges in the packaging may make it impossible to affix a label or to print on the ridged sections. In these cases, the ridges are not considered ADS. However, in other cases, closely repeated ridging will support a paper label and in some processes, the printing takes place before the ridges are formed. In these cases, these areas are considered ADS.
UPC SymbolThe UPC (Universal Product Code or bar code) is not considered ADS and must not be included in the calculations for ADS [B.01.001]. However, if the UPC is present on the label more than once, the area occupied by the additional UPCs would be included in the ADS calculation. Since the UPC code is a machine-readable bar code, the definition between lines must be significant enough for the machine to register. As a result, the size of the UPC code may vary depending on the precision of the printing process. Some printing processes and packaging materials cause ink to spread. Consequently, on some packaging the UPC code may be 200 % larger, or more, than the standard size. When the UPC is enclosed in a box, the entire box is excluded from ADS. When the UPC is not enclosed in a box, only the area covered by the actual UPC is deducted from the ADS.
Very Small Areas of "Continuous Surface"Very small "continuous surfaces" where it is impossible and impractical to apply label information may be exempted from the calculation of ADS, e.g., folded triangles on package corners, very small caps or lids.
On this milk carton, both the cap and the area for the "Best Before" date are considered very small continuous surfaces and therefore, not included in the ADS calculation.
Windows and Transparent PackagingFlexible or rigid transparent packaging materials, such as those found on bacon packages or covering widows in pie and candy boxes, are considered ADS. However, if the window is open with no inner covering, then the empty window is not considered ADS. Covered window considered ADS
Open Window not included in ADS Table E2: Summary - Guidance on Measuring ADS
4. Calculation Methods for Different Packaging TypesBacon PackagesADS = Front + Back ADS does not include:
On this package of bacon, a transparent area the width of one bacon slice is provided on the back of the package, allowing the consumer to evaluate the lean/fat composition of the bacon. This area is not included in ADS.
In this package, the bacon is placed in such a way that the consumer may evaluate the fat/lean composition of the bacon from the front window of the package. Nevertheless, an exemption from ADS is still granted for an area equivalent to the width of one bacon slice the whole length of the package.
Note: For gathered bags other than bread bags, the suitability of the end of the bag as ADS must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Bag CookieADS = Front + Back + Sides + Bottom ADS does not include:
Bags Stand-Up Pouch with Inset GussetADS = Front + Back + Bottom* ADS does not include:
Note: The best way to evaluate whether the bottom of a bag with an inset gusset should be considered ADS, is to evaluate the product as sold, i.e., a full bag. The bottoms of some large bags, flatten out to large flat areas of ADS that may support easy to read information, when the bag has been filled. The bottoms of some small bags, on the other hand, may never be considered ADS because the area is small or because the bag retains the inset pleated shape even when the package is full.
Bags Stand-Up Pouch with Flat BottomADS = Front + Back + Bottom ADS does not include:
Baked Goods Fresh, Not Packaged at Retail: Rigid Plastic Containers, e.g., "Clam Shells"ADS = Top + Sides (4) + Bottom, if product is not damaged when turned over ADS does not include:
Top: ADS includes the area that can support a label, e.g., raised panels. Sides: Note: The tightly repeated ridging on the sides of plastic containers will usually support a paper label. For information on baked goods prepared and/or packaged at retail, please see Section D Has the Correct Format Been Used? and the Retail Tables in Section K Tools and Templates.
Bars Foil Wrapped or Wrapped in Similar Materiale.g., energy bars, granola bars, etc. ADS = Entire Package ADS does not include:
Bars Paper label over foil wrape.g., Candy bars ADS = Entire paper label ADS does not include:
Bottles and Jars Regular Cylindrical Glass and Plastic
ADS = Sides + Lid ADS does not include:
Sides:
Lid:
Note: In some cases, very small caps of bottles are considered very small areas of continuous surface and, consequently, not ADS. Bottles and Jars Non-Uniform, Sold by Volume
|
Volume of Container | ADS |
---|---|
![]() |
< 100 cm² (small package exemption) |
150 ml - 250 ml | 100 cm² (requires NFT) |
> 250 ml | ![]() |
Examples:
This rule applies to all non-uniform glass and plastic bottles and all non-uniform shaped jars sold by weight. (See the description of uniform jars in the previous sections.)
ADS = Calculation Based on the Measured Volume of the Container
![]() |
![]() |
100 g artificial sweetener and 450 g coffee whitener. |
Since the density of different products may vary, the volumes of different products of the same weight may also vary. For example, a 450 g jar of coffee whitener is almost the same size as a 100 g jar of artificial sweetener. Consequently, the volume of the container should be determined and the formula for non-uniform glass and plastic bottles and jars should be applied. |
How to determine the ADS of a non uniform bottle or jar sold by weight:
Note: No further deductions are applied to the ADS calculation, e.g., deduction of the UPC code.
Cans Metal Cans with Paper Labelse.g., soup can |
![]() |
ADS = Sides
ADS does not include:
ADS includes the area of the sides of a can but does not include the top or bottom of the can unless the top or bottom has been labelled with information other than coding or the UPC symbol. In these cases, the area with labelling information is also included in the calculation of ADS. | ![]() |
e.g. hot chocolate, mixed nuts, coffee can
ADS = Sides + Plastic Lid
ADS does not include:
e.g., sardines, ham
![]() |
![]() |
ADS = top + bottom + sides (on larger cans)
ADS does
not include:
|
![]() |
Sides :
ADS includes the sides of larger cans (such as cans of ham), but not sides of slim cans such as sardine cans. |
![]() |
Note: When a flat can is further packaged in a box or overwrap, then the outer packaging is the label. The inner can is no longer considered the label or the ADS.
ADS = Sides + Sloped Roof Panels
ADS does not include:
|
![]() |
You asked?
Q: Why is the bottom of the milk carton excluded from ADS? A: The bottom of the milk carton is not included in the ADS for a number of reasons. Milk cartons are delivered flat to the dairy. The top and bottom seams are formed and heat-sealed during the filling process. The bottom is an area where many seams come together and is consequently bumpy, which is not conducive to clear labelling. |
e.g., pork hocks
These products are individually shrink wrapped. In some cases the label is printed directly on the packaging material, while in other cases paper labels are applied. These products are similar but not uniform in size and shape. This policy does not apply to products that are highly variable in size such as frozen turkeys
ADS = Front* + Back*
ADS does not include:
* The ADS of the front panel is equal to the area of the largest rectangle that will fit on the front panel of 80% of the products produced. The same principle applies to the back panel.
For egg cartons (flat top cartons made of pulp, foam or clear plastic), the Nutrition Facts table may be printed on the inside of the lid. When the inside of the lid contains any written material, mandatory or promotional, the inside of the lid is considered part of the Available Display Surface calculation. | ![]() |
ADS = Top + Sides of Top + Inside of Top (when the area contains written information)
ADS does not include:
|
![]() |
e.g., frozen cake
ADS = Top
ADS does not include:
|
![]() |
You asked?
Q: Why is the foil container excluded from ADS? A: A paper label will not adhere to the foil due to the condensation in the frozen environment. |
e.g., cake, lasagna
ADS = Overwrap or Lid, whichever is larger
ADS does not include:
e.g., multi-pack of pudding, multi-pack of yogurt with common lid
ADS = Common Packaging and Visual Area of Dropped Units
ADS does not include:
Yogurt Multi-pack
Common Top: The entire top of the yogurt multi-pack is considered ADS. However, it is not considered a single continuous surface, as the top is broken into smaller units as it is consumed. Each individual lid is considered a continuous surface. |
![]() |
Dropped Units:
Bottom
Sides
Boxed Multi-pack
Common Top Box: ADS includes both the top and sides of the box, but not the ends if the ends are absent (i.e., if the box is open ended). |
![]() |
Dropped Units:
Fully pre-packaged units are sometimes sold in a variety of formats. For example, single serving units of juice in Tetra Pak containers may be sold individually and the same product may also be sold in multi-packs of 3, 5, or 10 units, etc.
When product is sold both individually and in multi-packs, special consideration is given to the labelling of the multi-packs with transparent outer packaging, as each individual unit is already required to be fully labelled with a NFT and is visible through the outer packaging material. Two options exist:
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
ADS = Top + Bottom + Sides > 4 cm wide
ADS does not include:
The sides of the pillow package on the left would be considered ADS as they are greater than 4 cm, while the sides of the pillow package on the right would not be included in the ADS calculation.
Tetra Pak packaging is available in a number of sizes (volumes) and shapes including rectangular box shapes and octagonal box shapes. In general, the following instructions for calculating the ADS of Tetra Paks apply: | ![]() |
ADS = Top + Front + Back + Sides
ADS does
not include:
|
![]() |
e.g., yogurt, margarine
ADS = Lid + Sides
ADS does not include:
Sides:
When calculating the ADS
of the sides of a plastic tub, do not include the bottom curve (if any), the
ridges at the top of the tub and the area covered by the lip of the lid.
To calculate the area of the sides of a tub, use the mathematical formula for the area of a conical frustum (see sub-section 2).
Bottom:
ADS does not include the bottom of the tub.
e.g., deli tubs with stickers.
ADS = Lid + Sides + Bottom
ADS does not include:
e.g., ice cream
ADS = Top + Sides
ADS does
not include:
|
![]() |
![]() |
Lid:
ADS does not include the wide plastic rim on the lid of this ice
cream container.* However, if the rim is constructed of cardboard, it is
considered ADS.
Sides:
To calculate the area of the sides of a round tub, use the mathematical
formula for the area of a conical frustum (see sub-section 2). Include only the
area visible at time of purchase (i.e., do
not include area covered by the rim of the lid.)
*Note: It is impossible to print on some of the plastics used in the construction of these lid rims. As it is difficult to determine the type of plastic used, plastic rims are not considered ADS unless printed material is present in this area.
ADS = All sides
ADS does not include:
|
![]() |
![]() |
* If gathered ends are covered with a flat sticker, the ends are considered ADS.
Package Type | Included in ADS | Excluded from ADS | |
---|---|---|---|
Surfaces | UPC | ||
Bacon Packages |
|
|
X |
Bags Flat, back central seam (e.g., chip bag) |
|
|
X |
Bags Bread |
|
|
X |
Bags Cookie |
|
|
X |
Bags Flat pouch without gussets |
|
|
X |
Bags Stand-up with inset gusset |
|
|
X |
Bags Stand-up pouch with flat bottom |
|
|
X |
Baked Goods Fresh, Not baked & packaged at retail (e.g., rigid plastic clear "Clam Shell" containers) |
|
|
X
(if on included area) |
Bars Foil wrapped (e.g., energy bar) |
|
|
X |
Bars Paper label over foil wrap (e.g., chocolate bar) |
|
X | |
Bottles/Jars Regular cylindrical, glass & plastic (e.g., stubby bottles, not bottles with long necks) |
|
|
X |
Bottles/Jars Irregular, sold by volume; glass or plastic |
|
||
Bottles/Jars Irregular, sold by weight; glass or plastic |
|
||
Cans Metal, paper label (round and oblong cans) |
|
|
X |
Cans Flat, print directly on can (e.g., sardine, herring, ham) |
|
|
X |
Cans Cardboard or metal with plastic lid (e.g., hot chocolate) |
|
|
X |
Cardboard Containers (e.g., milk, juice) |
|
|
X |
Catch Weight Meat Products of similar weight and form e.g., pork hocks |
* ADS = area of largest rectangle that will fit on front or back panel, respectively, of 80% of the packages produced. |
|
X |
Egg Cartons |
|
|
X |
Frozen Foods Foil container, plastic or cardboard lid (e.g., frozen cake, frozen lasagna) |
|
|
X
(if on included area) |
Frozen Foods Foil container, plastic or cardboard lid and overwrap (e.g., frozen cake) |
|
|
X
(if on included area) |
Multi-Pack with dropped units (plastic cups) (e.g., multi-pack of pudding, multi-pack of yogurt with common lid) |
|
|
X |
Multi-Pack Transparent cellophane wrapper over fully labelled individual units |
|
X | |
Paper Label Inside Clear Packaging |
|
|
X |
Pillow Packs |
|
|
X |
Tags Applied to containers other than: ornamental containers, products to which a label cannot be affixed, and small packages to which alternate methods of presentation apply. (See table E-1 for tags attached to ornamental containers, etc.) |
|
|
X |
Tetra Pak |
|
|
X |
Tubs Printed plastic (e.g., yogurt, margarine) |
|
|
X |
Tubs Clear plastic, labelled with paper label (e.g., deli tubs) |
|
|
X |
Tubs Cardboard (e.g., ice cream) |
|
|
X |
Wrappers, Tube Shapes |
|
|
X |
Table of Contents
| Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D | Section E |
Section F | Section G | Section H | Section I | Section J | Section K
![]() Top of Page |
Important Notices |