Claims and Statements

This information is in addition to the core labelling requirements.

A "claim" is any representation (statement, image or advertising) which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular qualities relating to its origin, nutritional properties, nature, processing, composition or any other quality.

With respect to all claims, the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) 5. (1) states:

No person shall label, package, treat, process, sell or advertise any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character, value, quantity, composition, merit or safety.

And the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA) 7. (1) states:

No dealer shall apply to any prepackaged product or sell, import into Canada or advertise any prepackaged product that has applied to it a label containing any false or misleading representation that relates to or may reasonably be regarded as relating to that product.

Under Section 7 of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, it is considered false or misleading to use any expression, word, figure, depiction, symbol or other device that implies that an ingredient is present when it is not, or that implies an ingredient is not present when it is present.

In addition to 5.(1) FDA and 7.(1) CPLA, some claims must meet additional requirements. For example, to make a nutrient content claim, specific criteria must be met as prescribed in the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).

Words that have no explicit meaning or use partial truths when describing foods may create false, deceptive or misleading impressions about the food or its consumption, and often lead to claims that are misunderstood by consumers. The information contained in the links below provide guidance which, when adhered to, are considered to comply with the provisions set out in the FDA and FDR, the CPLA and Regulations (CPLR) and any other applicable legislation.

Types of Claims

• Nutrient Content Claims
• Health Claims
• Claims relating to quality, quantity, composition and origin
• Comparative Claims
• Advertising

Interactive labelling overview

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