Front-of-Pack Nutrition Symbol Labelling guide

Health Canada’s Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition labelling regulations, introduced in July 2022 and set to take full effect by January 1, 2026, will have a significant impact on the food manufacturing industry in Canada. These regulations require pre-packaged foods high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium to display a standardized FOP symbol, making it easier for consumers to identify products with high levels of these nutrients and make healthier choices.

This initiative is part of Health Canada’s strategy to address diet-related diseases such as obesity and heart disease ?.Food manufacturers will need to reformulate their products, adjust packaging, and implement the required symbols by the compliance deadline. The new FOP labels will be mandatory on products exceeding specific daily value thresholds—15% for general pre-packaged foods, 10% for smaller serving sizes, and 30% for larger meals ?.The manufacturing sector will face increased costs due to these changes, including relabeling, product reformulation to meet healthier standards, and compliance checks to avoid penalties.

However, the new labeling may also provide opportunities for brands to differentiate themselves by promoting healthier products, potentially leading to innovation in product offerings. Overall, the FOP regulations are expected to encourage transparency and healthier consumer choices, but they also require significant adjustments within the food production and marketing landscape ?.

Here is a helpful link to Reference Amounts for different food categories .