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Food > Labelling > Nutrition Labelling > Toolkit Section D - Has the Correct Format Been Used?
Table of Contents
| Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D | Section E |
1. Hierarchy of Formats: How to Select an Appropriate Nutrition Facts TableAlthough the Food and Drug Regulations require the declaration of a Nutrition Facts table on most prepackaged products, the information may be presented in a variety of different formats. Industry has considerable flexibility in presentation, and may choose from several different format "families". Within each format family, further choices of presentation style are available. For example, manufacturers may opt for separate French and English tables (including a narrow variation in the case of the Standard Format) or choose instead to use a single bilingual table. The specific format chosen and the size of Nutrition Facts table are based on a combination of mandatory and voluntary considerations. 1st Consideration: Who will buy the product?There are major differences in the nutrition labelling requirements depending upon who is consuming or buying the product. Basically, for the purposes of nutrition labelling there are three classes of foods:
Foods not intended for the consumer Prepackaged food for use in further manufacturing (i.e., ingredients) and multiple-serving, ready-to-eat prepackaged products served in a commercial or industrial enterprise or institution are not required to have the nutrition information presented in a table format. Manufacturers may present the information as a list or in another manner. The information need not appear on the package. While the basic nutrition information must be provided, there are a number of other differences in how the information is presented, e.g., serving size, units, rounding. See Section H for further information. Foods intended for the consumer For prepackaged foods for consumers (including foods for children under two years of age), manufacturers must follow a step-by-step process to determine the appropriate way to supply required nutrition information. 2nd Consideration: On what basis will the information be presented?In the majority of cases, nutrition information is presented on the basis of a serving of food as sold. Issues related to serving size are discussed in Section C of this Toolkit. However, in certain circumstances, the manufacturer is provided with other presentation options. For example, nutrition information may be provided for a number of serving sizes (e.g., one cookie, two cookies); or for individual foods in a multi-pack (e.g., crackers and cheese). As well, information for the food as sold (such as a cold cereal) may differ from information about the food as prepared (cereal with milk). Sections B.01.401(6), B.01.403(5) and B.01.406 of the Food and Drug Regulations outline the conditions under which the various options for the presentation of nutrition information may be used. In some cases the manner of presenting information is mandatory, while in other cases it is at the discretion of the manufacturer. The manner of presenting nutrition information directly affects the choice of Nutrition Facts table format. 3rd Consideration: What format is required?Sections B.01.454 to B.01.459 of the Regulations set out "families" of formats. Each family provides format options for presenting nutrition information in a specific manner, as mentioned above. For example, the Standard/Horizontal/Linear family provides format options for presenting nutrition information for a single serving of food as sold, while the "Dual Format Foods Requiring Preparation" family provides options for presenting nutrition information for the food as sold and as prepared. In each case, a Decision Tree is included to help manufacturers work through the options provided. The families of formats for prepackaged food for consumers two years and older are:
There are similar families of formats for prepackaged foods for children under two years of age, except that there are no Dual Formats for food designed for this age group. These formats are outlined in Sections B.01.461 through B.01.467. (In this Toolkit, see Section G.) The Decision Trees for each family of formats provide a stepwise strategy to determine an appropriate format and version (size) of the Nutrition Facts table. In each Decision Tree:
The manufacturer must start at the top of the tree and work his way down.
At the 1st level, the manufacturer is provided with the choice of different options, such as separate French and English tables (including a narrow variation in the case of the Standard Format) or a single bilingual table. For each format variation a number of different sizes are provided. |
For example, the Decision Tree for Standard/Horizontal/ Linear Formats
begins by laying out the following 1st level options:
1st Level Options
Once the format variation has been chosen, the largest version of that format must be used unless:
If this is the case, then the next version should be used unless it also requires more than 15% of the ADS or does not fit on one continuous surface, and so on. The largest version of the chosen format must be selected that meets these criteria. For example, if the manufacturer chose the Standard Format (Format 1), he must choose the largest Nutrition Facts table variation that fits (Figure 1.1 is the largest variation; Figure 1.6 is the smallest.) However, if none of the size variations (Figure 1.1 - 1.6) will work on the package, then the manufacturer must examine other 1st level options: the Narrow Standard Format (Format 2) and the Bilingual Standard (Format 3). The manufacturer cannot proceed to the next level in the Decision Tree until all 1st level options have been exhausted. At the lowest level (where packages and Nutrition Facts tables are small), any format variation and any version in the family may be chosen provided that it fits on one continuous surface and that the characters printed in the table do not touch each other or the lines (rules). Notes of Explanation: This stepwise approach to choosing a Nutrition Facts table ensures that two basic premises are fulfilled.
For information on calculating the ADS of the package, see Section E of this Toolkit, "Available Display Surface". When calculating the space occupied by the Nutrition Facts table, remember the following three principles:
2. Alternate Methods of Presentation
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a) | a tag attached to the package; |
b) | a package insert; |
c) | the inner side of a label; |
d) | a fold-out label; or |
e) | an outer sleeve, overwrap or collar. |
Any version (size) of the permitted formats of the Nutrition Facts table may be used. In the case of (b) or (c), the outer label of the prepackaged product shall indicate in a type size of not less than 8 points where the Nutrition Facts table is located.
Small packages with an ADS of <100 cm2 are exempt from carrying a Nutrition Facts table provided that an indication is present on the outer label indicating how the consumer or purchaser may obtain the nutrition information.
However, there are several requirements which the statement must meet:
The nutrition information shall be provided upon request:
Manufacturers must also ensure that:
The small package exemption does not apply when:
Note: When a small package loses its labelling exemption, it may use alternate methods of presentation (e.g., tag, package insert, inner label, a fold-out label, an outer sleeve, overwrap or collar). However, the format hierarchy must permit that option. (See above.)
Note: Exemptions from bilingual labelling exist for local foods, test market foods and specialty foods, under section B.01.012(3) & (7).
Products produced and/or packaged at retail are treated in one of three manners.
See Section B of this Toolkit, "Losing the Exemption".
A product sold only in the retail establishment where it is packaged, when the package has an ADS of 200 cm2 and is labelled with a sticker, is not exempt from declaring a NFT.
Retail Tables
See Section K Tools and Templates for Retail Tables. These tables outline the nutrition labelling requirements for foods sold in bulk, clerk served, prepared, processed and/or packaged at retail. For convenience of use, the information is presented on a department by department basis, e.g., bakery, deli, meat department, etc.
The following subsections contain step-by-step guidance for each format family:
In each section, key questions are addressed:
To verify format choices more easily, each section contains a Decision Tree diagram, which graphically illustrates the options within each family. The Decision Tree is followed by a list of the major distinguishing features of each format, and when necessary, by notes on the use of the different formats.
How to use the Decision Trees
The Decision Tree is a step-by-step approach to choosing an appropriate Nutrition Facts table within a family of formats.
Each Decision Tree contains two or three levels of options. The manufacturer must first review all of the options within the first (preferred) level. All of those options must be exhausted before the manufacturer may move to the second level ... and so on. (See schematics.)
Within the first level, the manufacturer may choose between two options: the basic format and the bilingual format. In the case of the Standard/Horizontal/Linear family, a narrow standard option is also provided. Once an option is chosen, the manufacturer must select the largest size of the format that will fit:
Larger versions of a format may always be used.
If there is no suitable fit in the 1st level, the manufacturer may proceed to the next level of options. In the case of the Standard/Horizontal/Linear family and the Simplified family, a middle level exists that provides Bilingual Horizontal formats. The same rules apply to choosing the appropriate size of NFT at this level.
However, in the lowest level options, level 2 for the Dual and Aggregate families and level 3 for the Standard/Horizontal/Linear and Simplified families, any format or any version of a format may be chosen.
Check Section K-1 Templates!
The size of each version of the NFT is indicated on the templates. However,
if additional information is included in the NFT or if a different font is used, then the
dimensions no longer apply.
Purpose
The Standard, Horizontal and Linear formats present nutrition information for one serving of food as sold.
When may these formats be used?
These products usually provide nutrition information for one serving of food as sold, using a Standard, Horizontal or Linear format. |
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[D] |
Major Distinguishing Features of the Standard, Horizontal and Linear Formats
[D] | Standard Formats
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[D] | Bilingual Horizontal
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Linear Format
Second level options use of the Bilingual Horizontal
Format:
The 2nd level options, Bilingual Horizontal Format Figures 4.1 and 4.2, are in
the same size range as some of the 1st level options. Consequently, these
formats may only be used when:
This open-window pie box is a candidate for the Bilingual Horizontal Format, as placing a Standard Format on the side or bottom of the package would result in the product being damaged when the consumer turned the package over or sideways to view the NFT. | |
This product illustrates incorrect use of the Bilingual Horizontal Format. This box will accommodate a 1st level option, i.e., Standard, Narrow Standard or Bilingual Standard formats. |
Linear format:
The linear format has limited use as it falls in level 3 of the Decision Tree (lowest level). Generally it is used only on small packages. However, it may also be used when the package configuration prevents the use of larger NFTs as only small areas of continuous space exist.
While the total ADS of this package is significant, because of the configuration, only level 3 formats will fit, e.g., linear, alternate methods of presentation. |
Purpose
The simplified formats are designed for foods that contain a limited number of nutrients. These formats provide nutrient information for 1 serving of food as sold. However, they do not declare all 13 nutrients in the core list and, consequently, are smaller than standard format NFTs.
When may these formats be used?
The simplified formats may be used on foods whose nutrient value is "0", as reported in the NFT, for seven or more of the Calories and core nutrients [B.01.401(6)].
What nutrients must be declared in the Simplified
Formats?
[B.01.401(6)]
Some jams, jellies, fruit flavoured drinks, drink mix powders, and diet soft drinks meet the criteria for the simplified format. |
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[D] |
Major Distinguishing Features of the Simplified Formats:
[D] | Simplified Standard Formats
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[D] | Bilingual Simplified Horizontal
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Simplified Linear Format
Notes on the use of the different formats
Second level options use of the Bilingual Horizontal Format: The 2nd level options, Bilingual Simplified Horizontal Format Figures 7.1 and 7.2, may only be used when:
Purpose:
The Dual Format Foods Requiring Preparation provides nutrition information for both the food as sold and for the food as it is usually consumed.
When may this format be used?
This format is suitable for foods requiring preparation prior to consumption or foods that are customarily served combined with other foods. Examples include dry noodle and spice mix to be added to ground meat, chocolate drink mix to be added to milk, raw meat to be cooked or dry breakfast cereal to be served with milk.
This format is always optional.
In cases where the nutrition information for the food is not altered by the preparation where the nutrition information is the same for the food as sold and for the food as prepared a Standard, Bilingual Horizontal, Linear or Simplified formats may be used. Note that in these cases, the serving size declaration is modified to include a declaration for the food as sold. Examples include frozen concentrated juice or drink crystals to be prepared with added water, some popping corn, etc.
This box of cereal may use the Dual Format Foods Requiring Preparation to provide nutrition information for the cereal as sold, as well as for the cereal as consumed with milk. | |
This powder based mix may use the Dual Format Foods Requiring Preparation to provide nutrition information for the food as sold (i.e., powder mix) and for the food as prepared. |
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[D] |
Major Distinguishing Features of the Dual Format Foods Requiring Preparation
The format of the Dual Format Foods Requiring Preparation is modified slightly depending on whether the food is a prepared food (e.g., cake mix) or a combined food (e.g., cereal and milk). Examples of both variations are provided.
[D] |
Prepared Food e.g., cake mix
Serving Size and Sub-Headings
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Nutrient Declarations
Food as sold:
Prepared or combined food:
Footnotes
Combined Food, e.g., cereal and milk | |
[D] | Serving Size
Nutrients and Footnotes
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Purpose:
The Aggregate format provides nutrition information for two or more foods or ingredients in a prepackaged product.
When may this format be used?
The Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods is mandatory for a prepackaged product containing an assortment of foods of the same type, for which:
Examples include a variety pack of granola bars or chocolate bars. *
* Health Canada is proposing to amend the Regulations to allow these
assortments of foods (e.g., multi-packs) to
use not only an Aggregate Format but also individual Standard Formats for each
food.
When must this format NOT be used?
Contrarily, this format may not be used for an assortment of similar foods for which a serving consists of only one of the foods, and the information for the serving size, energy, and core nutrients is the same for each food. Examples include frozen ices, such as freezie pops and popsicles. In these cases, the nutrition information shall be set out as for one food using the Standard, Horizontal or Linear Formats [B.01.406(3)(b)]. |
When is this format optional?
The Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods is suitable for this multi-pack of granola bars. Each bar is a single serving and has a unique nutrient profile. |
This snack ensemble may use the Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods to present the nutrition information for the individual foods. Use of the Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods is optional. |
The Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods may be used to provide nutrition information for each type of chocolate. Use of the Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods is optional |
The Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods may not be used for this multi- pack of frozen ices, where each frozen ice is one serving of food and the nutrient information for all the frozen ices is the same. |
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[D] |
* Alternative Methods of Presentation may be used only for prepackaged products containing an assortment of foods of the same type, when:
Major Features of the Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods
[D] |
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[D] |
Simplified Aggregate Format
Prepackaged foods that meet the criteria for both the Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods (prepackaged foods containing an assortment of foods or separately packaged ingredients) and the Simplified Format (foods that may declare "0" for 7 or more of Calories and nutrients), may use a Simplified Aggregate Format Different Kinds of Foods.
When may these formats be used?
These formats may be used whenever it is suitable to provide nutrition information for a food in more than one amount or serving size. For instance, foods may have different uses or different units of measurement. For example, applesauce may be used as both a condiment and as a dessert: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), ½ cup (125 ml).
The use of these formats is always optional.
The Dual Format Different Amounts of Food may be used to provide information for 1 and 2 slices of bread or for 1 tablespoon and ½ cup of applesauce. |
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[D] |
[D] | Major Features of the Dual Format Different Amounts of
Food
Serving Size and Headings
Nutrient Declarations
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When may these formats be used?
These formats may be used whenever it is suitable to provide nutrition information for a food in more than one amount, to reflect different uses or different units of measure of a food. For example, evaporated milk may be used in small quantities to whiten coffee or may be reconstituted and used as a beverage, e.g., 1 tablespoon (15 ml), ½ cup (125 ml).
The use of these formats is always optional.
The Aggregate Format Different Amounts of Food may be used to provide information for 1 and 2 slices of bread or 1 tablespoon and ½ cup of condensed milk. |
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[D] |
Major Features of the Aggregate Format Different Amounts of Food
[D] |
Serving Size and Headings
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Nutrients
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
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