Food > Labelling > Nutrition Labelling > Toolkit 

Section K - Tools and Templates

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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

1. Checklist for the Nutrition Facts Table (NFT)

* This refers to the section in the Evaluation Standard for the Label

Nutrition Facts Table: Steps in Conducting an Evaluation

Preliminary Step (1.1)
Verify that the Nutrition Facts table is present. (If the Nutrition Facts table is not present, verify that the food is exempt.)

If the table is present, follow the following steps:

Step 1 (1.2.1)
Verify that the table is bilingual. (If not, does an exemption apply?)

Step 2 (1.2.2)
Verify other requirements that apply to all formats: location, orientation.

Step 3 (1.2.3)
Identify the format “family” of the Nutrition Facts table that you wish to use on the label. (Use the fold-out of formats in the Inspector’s Toolkit or Schedule L of the Regulations.) Verify that the choice of format is suitable for the food. You may refer to Section D: Has the Correct Format Been Used? or the table to sub-section 3 of Section K: Tool and Templates, When May the Different Formats be Used?

Step 4 (1.2.4)
Verify that the information within the Nutrition Facts table is declared in accordance with the Regulations: serving size, mandatory nutrients, additional information, units (g, mg, % DV), terminology, etc.

Step 5 (1.2.5)
Verify that nutrients are rounded as per Regulations.

Step 6 (1.2.6)
Based on the Hierarchy of Formats, verify that the specific format and version (size) of the Nutrition Facts table is appropriate based on Available Display Surface (ADS) of the package. (Choose the largest version of format that fits on 15 % of the ADS and one continuous surface.)

Step 7 (1.2.7)
Verify that the technical and graphic requirements have been met, e.g., spacing, font, type size, indents, print and background colours.

Note: The numbers in brackets (e.g., 1.2.5) refer to the corresponding section in the Evaluation Standard for the Label.

2. What Foods May Carry a NFT

What Foods Require an NFT [B.01.401(1)]

• The Nutrition Facts table (NFT) is mandatory for most prepackaged foods.
• There are some exceptions and exemptions.
• The NFT may be voluntarily declared on non-prepackaged foods or on prepackaged foods that are exempt from nutrition labelling.

What Foods are Specifically Prohibited from Declaring a NFT? [B.01.401(4) & (5)]

The following foods must not display a Nutrition Facts table:

• formulated liquid diets;
• infant formula;
• foods containing infant formula;
• meal replacements;
• nutritional supplements (that meet the requirements of Section B.24.201); and
• foods represented for use in very low energy diets.

While these foods are prohibited from using the titles “Nutrition Facts” and “Valeur(s) nutritive(s)”, they may adopt the Nutrition Facts table format.

What Prepackaged Foods are Exempt From Mandatory Nutrition Labelling? [B.01.401(2)]

The following products are exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table:

Losing the Exemption [B.01.401(3)]

The last three items listed above (a one-bite confection, an individual portion served with meals, milk in glass containers) never lose their exemption. The remaining items listed above lose their exempt status and are required to carry a Nutrition Facts table when:

• a vitamin or mineral nutrient is added to the product;
• a vitamin or mineral nutrient is declared as a component of an ingredient (other than flour);
• aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame-potassium is added to the product;
• the product is ground meat, ground meat by-product, ground poultry meat or ground poultry meat by-product; or
• the label or advertisement contains one or more of the following:
  • a nutritional reference or nutrient content claim,
  • a biological role claim,
  • a health claim,
  • a health-related name, statement, logo, symbol, seal of approval or other proprietary mark of a third party, or
  • the phrase “nutrition facts”, “valeur nutritive” or “valeurs nutritives”.

Retail Food

These tables outline the nutrition labelling requirements for foods sold in bulk, clerk served, prepared, processed and/or packaged at retail. It is divided into retail departments for convenience.

Explanation of Status

The status of a product may be declared as either “exempt”, “conditional exemption” or “requires a NFT”. Exempt products are not required to carry a NFT. Products with a conditional exemption are usually not required to declare a NFT. However, circumstances, such as the declaration of a nutrient content claim or health claim, may cause the product to lose its exemption. An explanation of when exemptions are lost is at the end of this section.

Deli Counter

Non-Prepackaged Food	Status*
Non-Prepackaged Foods Non-prepackaged foods, clerk served foods (e.g., deli meat, cheese, salads) and bulk foods packaged by the consumer (e.g., olives, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.).	Exempt
Prepackaged Foods (Prepared and/or Packaged at Retail)	Status*
Individual Servings of Food for Immediate Consumption Sandwiches, individually wrapped muffins, single serving salads, etc., sold for immediate consumption, when these have not been subjected to a process or special packaging, such as modified atmosphere packaging, to extend their durable life.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(vii)]
Retail Prepared Foods Foods sold only in the retail establishment where the product is prepared and processed, including products made from a pre-mix when an ingredient other than water is added to the pre-mix. Examples include, pizza, salads and sauces.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(v)]
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS < 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises. Example, retail cut and wrapped small squares of cheese.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(viii)]
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises. Examples: retail cut and wrapped squares or slices of cheese; tubs (multi-serving) of salad, baked beans, spaghetti sauce; etc. Requires an NFT: If using a Standard Format, may declare one of the following: Standard 1.1-1.3, Narrow Standard 2.1-2.3, Bilingual Standard 3.1-3.3 [B.01.454(5)] If using a Simplified Format (products that may declare "0" for 7 or more of Calories and nutrients) may declare one of the following: Simplified Standards 5.1-5.3 Bilingual Standard 6.1-6.3 [B.01.455(4)] If using other formats (e.g. Aggregate), choose version based on ADS of package.	NFT required

* See “Loss of Exemption” at end of section for conditions that may affect the status of a product.

The Meat Department

Non-Prepackaged Food	Status*
Non-Prepackaged Foods Non-prepackaged foods, clerk served foods, including ground meat.	Exempt
Prepackaged Foods (Prepared and/or Packaged at Retail)	Status*
Fresh or frozen raw meat and poultry (single ingredient) Single ingredient meat, meat by-product, poultry meat, and poultry meat by-product (does not include ground meat or spiced and/or phosphated meat).	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(iii)]
Fresh or frozen ground meat and poultry Prepackaged ground meat, ground meat by-product, ground poultry meat and ground poultry meat by-product must always carry a Nutrition Facts table [B.01.401(3)(d)].	NFT required (See Retail Packaged food) [B.01.401(3)(d)]
Fresh or frozen spiced and/or phosphated meats Examples: BBQ chicken with added spices; spiced meat, phosphated pork, etc. (For spiced products prepared on the premises, see Retail Packaged Food.)	NFT required (See Retail Packaged food)
Fresh or frozen raw marine products (single ingredient) Raw, single ingredient marine or freshwater animal products (such as fish, crustaceans, etc.);	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(iv)]
Retail Prepared Foods Foods sold only in the retail establishment where the product is prepared and processed, including products made from a pre-mix when an ingredient other than water is added to the pre-mix.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(v)]
Retail Packaged Foods –ADS < 200 cm² , labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises, (such as spiced meats but not meat with added phosphate and/or water).	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(viii)]
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises, (such as ground meat, spiced and/or phosphated meats). Includes products packaged at a meat packaging plant but weighed and labelled at retail. Requires an NFT: If using a Standard Format, may declare one of the following: Standard 1.1-1.3, Narrow Standard 2.1-2.3, Bilingual Standard 3.1-3.3 [B.01.454(5)] If using a Simplified Format (products that may declare "0" for 7 or more of Calories and nutrients) may declare one of the following: Simplified Standards 5.1-5.3 Bilingual Standard 6.1-6.3 [B.01.455(4)] If using other formats (e.g. Aggregate), choose version based on ADS of package.	NFT required

* See “Loss of Exemption” at end of section for conditions that may affect the status of a product.

Bakery Department

Non-Prepackaged Food	Status*
Non-Prepackaged Foods Non-prepackaged foods, clerk served foods (e.g., cakes, cookies, squares, desserts, bread) and bulk foods packaged by the consumer (e.g., bagels, buns, bread, cookies).	Exempt
Prepackaged Foods (Prepared and/or Packaged at Retail)	Status*
Individual Servings of Food for Immediate Consumption Individually wrapped muffins, squares, packages of 2 or 3 cookies, etc., sold for immediate consumption, when these have not been subjected to a process or special packaging, such as modified atmosphere packaging, to extend their durable life.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(vii)]
Retail Prepared Foods Foods sold only in the retail establishment where the product is prepared and processed, including products made from a pre-mix when an ingredient other than water is added to the pre-mix. Includes, bread or baked goods from scratch or a pre-mix with an added ingredient(s) other than just water. Does not include frozen dough or partially cooked product that is baked on premises.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(v)]
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS < 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)(viii)]
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises. Examples: bread, baked goods. Requires an NFT: If using a Standard Format, may declare one of the following: Standard 1.1-1.3, Narrow Standard 2.1-2.3, Bilingual Standard 3.1-3.3 [B.01.454(5)] If using a Simplified Format (products that may declare "0" for 7 or more of Calories and nutrients) may declare one of the following: Simplified Standards 5.1-5.3 Bilingual Standard 6.1-6.3 [B.01.455(4)] If using other formats (e.g. Aggregate), choose version based on ADS of package.	Requires an NFT

* See “Loss of Exemption” at end of section for conditions that may affect the status of a product.

Bulk Foods

Non-Prepackaged Food	Status*
Non-prepackaged Foods Non-prepackaged foods, bulk foods packaged by the consumer (e.g., dried fruit, snack foods, dried lentils, spices, soup mix, candy)	Exempt
One-Bite Confections Prepackaged confections, commonly known as one-bite confections, that are sold individually, (e.g., small individually wrapped candies, mints, etc.). This does not include retail packaged bags of individually wrapped candy.	Exempt [B.01.401(2)(c)(i)]
Prepackaged Foods (Prepared and/or Packaged at Retail)	Status*
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS < 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises. Examples: small packages of candy, spices, soup mix, etc.	Conditional Exemption [B.01.401(2)(b)]
Retail Packaged Foods – ADS 200 cm², labelled with a sticker, packaged on the premises. Examples: bags or tubs of candies, dried fruit, dried lentils, etc. Requires an NFT: If using a Standard Format, may declare one of the following: Standard 1.1-1.3, Narrow Standard 2.1-2.3, Bilingual Standard 3.1-3.3 [B.01.454(5)] If using a Simplified Format (products that may declare "0" for 7 or more of Calories and nutrients) may declare one of the following: Simplified Standards 5.1-5.3 Bilingual Standard 6.1-6.3 [B.01.455(4)] If using other formats (e.g. Aggregate), choose version based on ADS of package.	Requires an NFT

* See “Loss of Exemption” at end of section for conditions that may affect the status of a product.

Fruit and Vegetable Department

* See “Loss of Exemption” at end of section for conditions that may affect the status of a product.

*Loss of Exemption – Retail Foods

Non-Prepackaged Foods

Non prepackaged foods are not required to carry nutrition information. However, if a label, advertisement or sign for a non-prepackaged food carries a representation related to the Calories or a nutrient (e.g., any mention, reference, indication, statement or claim, including a health claim), then the label, advertisement or sign must carry a declaration of the “triggered” energy or nutrient content per serving of stated size. [B.01. 312, B.01.503(1)(c), B.01.602, table following B.01.603]

Pre-packaged Foods

One-bite Confections
One-bite confections never loose their exemption.

Other Prepackaged Foods – Retail

The remaining retail responsible items listed in these Retail Tables, loose their exemption from nutrition labelling and are required to carry a Nutrition Facts table when:

• the label or advertisement contains one or more of the following:
  • a nutritional reference or nutrient content claim,
  • a biological role claim,
  • a health claim*,
  • a health-related name, statement, logo, symbol, seal of approval or other proprietary mark of a third party, or
  • the phrase “nutrition facts”, “valeur nutritive” or “valeurs nutritives”.
• a vitamin or mineral nutrient is added to the product;
• a vitamin or mineral nutrient is declared as a component of an ingredient (other than flour);
• aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame-potassium is added to the product;

*NOTE: The exemption for prepackaged fresh fruit and vegetables is lost if health claim set out in the table following B.01.603 is made, including the following: “A healthy diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruit may help reduce the risk of some types of cancer,” [B.01.401(3)(e)(ii), and item 4 of the table following B.01.603].

3. Is the NFT Format Choice Suitable for the Product?

When may the Different Formats be Used?

Standard/Horizontal/Linear Format (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 16):

• Basic formats, providing nutrition information for one serving of food as sold
• Appropriate for most foods
• May provide a composite value for an assortment of food, serving consisting of more than one food (e.g., box of chocolates, tray of mixed nuts).
• Must be used on a prepackaged product containing an assortment of similar foods, a serving consists of one food, and the nutrition information is the same for each food (e.g., multi-pack of frozen ices).
• May not be used on a prepackaged product containing an assortment of similar foods, a serving consists of one food, and the nutrition information is different for each food (e.g., multi-pack of chocolate bars).

Simplified Formats – Standard/Horizontal/Linear (Figures 5, 6, 7, 17):

• May be used on food that may declare “0" for seven or more of Calories and core nutrients (e.g., diet drinks, some jams, some fruit flavoured drinks and drink mixes).

Dual Format – Foods Requiring Preparation (Figures 8 & 9):

• May be used on foods requiring preparation prior to consumption, or foods that are customarily served with other foods (e.g., cake mix, spice and noodle mix to be added to meat, breakfast cereal and milk)

Aggregate Format – Different Kinds of Foods (Figures 10 & 11):

• Must be used when a prepackaged product contains similar foods, a serving consists of one food, and the nutrition information is different for each food (e.g., multi-pack of granola bars)
• May be used when a prepackaged product contains an assortment of similar foods, and a serving consists of more than one of the foods (e.g., tray of mixed nuts, box of assorted chocolates)
• May be used when a prepackaged product contains separately packaged ingredients or foods that are intended to be eaten together (e.g. cheese and cracker snack kit)
• May not be used when a prepackaged product contains similar foods, a serving consists of one food, and the nutrition information is the same for each food (e.g., multi pack of frozen ices – freezie pops.)

Dual Format – Different Amounts of Food (Figures 12 & 13)

• May be used when it is suitable to provide nutrition information in different amounts to reflect different uses or serving sizes (e.g., 1 tbsp, ½ cup of condensed milk)

Aggregate Format – Different Amounts of Food (Figures 14 & 15)

• May be used when it is suitable to provide nutrition information in different amounts to reflect different uses or serving sizes (e.g., 1 tbsp, ½ cup of condensed milk)

4. Contents of the NFT

Reference Amounts [Schedule M] and Serving Sizes

2003 Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising, Section 6.2.4

Reference Tables (Daily Values, Alternate Expressions)

Table C3: Mandatory Nutrient Information: Core List [B.01.401]

Table C4: Additional Information with a Daily Value that is a Reference Amount

Table C5: Additional Information [B.01.402]

Table C6: Additional Vitamin and Mineral Nutrients [B.01.402]

French Reference Tables (Daily Values, Alternate Expressions)

Tableau C3 : Renseignements obligatoires sur les éléments nutritifs : Liste des éléments de base [B.01.401]

Tableau C4 : Renseignements complémentaires - lorsque la valeur quotidienne est également une quantité de référence

Tableau C5 : Renseignements complémentaires [B.01.402]

Tableau C6: Vitamines et minéraux nutritifs ajoutés [B.01.402]

Abbreviations and Symbols in the Nutrition Facts Table

[column 2 of tables to B.01.401 & B.01.402; and various Figures in Schedule L]

The following abbreviations for nutritional expressions may be used in the NFT:

• “% Daily Value” or “% DV” for the English expression “Percent Daily Value”;*
• “% valeur quotidienne” or “% VQ” for the French expression “pourcentage de la valeur quotidienne”; *
• “Vit” for vitamin;
• “kJ” for kilojoules.

*Note that when the abbreviations “% DV” or “%VQ” are used, an asterisks (*) must link the abbreviation to an explanation of its meaning, elsewhere on the table, e.g., *DV = daily value, *VQ = valeur quotidienne. See example below.

The following symbols for units of measure must be used within the NFT and are considered bilingual:

The common abbreviations for the household measures indicated below are also acceptable in the NFT. The use of the abbreviations for teaspoon and tablespoon (in both French and English) should be limited to those labels where the full words will not fit. Short words such as “cup” and “tasse” should be written out in full.

When the abbreviations %DV or %VQ are used, they must be linked to an explanation of their meaning elsewhere on the NFT.

Section K-1 | Section K-2

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Section F | Section G | Section H | Section I | Section J | Section K