Nutrition Labelling

This information is part of the core labelling requirements. Other requirements may also apply for specific products.

Purpose of the Nutrition Labelling Regulations

Canada's nutrition labelling regulations have been designed to provide a system for conveying information about the nutrient content of food in a standardized format, which allows for comparison among foods at the point of purchase. Clear, uniform information should support consumers in making informed food choices toward healthy eating goals.

Canadians need nutrition information to permit dietary management of chronic diseases of public health significance, and to help them make food choices that may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Nutrition Facts Table (NFT) means the nutrition facts table that is required by subsection B.01.401(1) to be carried on the label of a prepackaged product [B.01.001]

The Nutrition Facts table provides information on energy (Calories) and thirteen nutrients, based on a serving of stated size. The Nutrition Facts table must appear on the label in the prescribed manner.

• The Nutrition Facts table is mandatory for most prepackaged foods with some exceptions and exemptions.
• The NFT may be voluntarily declared on non-prepackaged foods or on prepackaged foods that are exempt from nutrition labelling.
• Some foods are specifically prohibited from declaring a Nutrition Facts Table.

Information related to this subject

• Exemptions
  • Losing the Exemption
  • Other Exemptions
  • Prohibited Display of the Nutrition Facts Table
  • Cyclamate Sweeteners - Energy Declarations
  • Questions and Answers
• Information and Elements within Nutrition Facts Table
• Presentation of the Nutrition Facts Table
• Available Display Surface
• Nutrition Facts Table Formats
• Foods Intended Solely for Children Under Two Years of Age
• Foods Sold Only in the Retail Establishment Where Packaged
  • Other Foods Sold in a Retail Establishment
  • Retail Food labelling requirements
  • Retailer-responsible Foods
• Foods for Commercial or Industrial Enterprises or Institutions
  • Difference between B.01.404 and B.01.405 foods
• Foods for Use in Manufacturing Other Foods
  • Nutrient Information
• Restaurants
• Bulk Foods
  • Food repackaged from bulk
• Non-prepackaged Foods
• Imported Foods
• Information Letter - Accompanying Documentation for Nutrition Labelling
• Labelling and Advertising of Dietary Fibre-Containing Food Products
• Nutrition Labelling Evaluation Standard
• Nutrition and Health Claims
• Where can I get more information?

Reference Documents

• Nutrition Labelling Compliance Test
• Nutrition Labelling Toolkit