The Canadian Food Labelling Initiative

Canada's food supply is increasingly global in nature and many Canadians are seeking clearer information about the foods they buy. Recognizing this, the Government of Canada has taken action to improve the labelling information on food products and to help Canadians make better purchasing decisions.

Following the launch of the Healthy Canadians website on October 24th, 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Canada's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan on December 17th, 2007, with the goal of ensuring Canada's product safety standards are second to none.

As part of the Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan, the Government committed to reviewing the policy on the use of "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" claims on food labels and in advertising. Although Product of Canada and Made in Canada claims are not food safety issues, Canadians have indicated that this is an important matter to them.

On May 21, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled the new Canadian Food Labelling Initiative together with the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This initiative improves the definition of Product of Canada and Made in Canada on food labels and advertising, to ensure that Canadians can have greater certainty about the Canadian content of the food products they purchase.

Following consultation with consumers and stakeholders, the Government of Canada is now ready to implement the modernized guidelines which will come into effect on December 31, 2008. It is recognized that many products produced or manufactured before this date may already be on store shelves, and these products will not be recalled. However, all products produced after December 31, 2008, should comply with the new guidelines.

Additional Resources:

• Frequently asked Questions on "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" Claims
• Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising
• Letter to Industry
• Shopping for Canadian Food