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Packaging and Labeling
Product Safety
Packaging, which includes the container and the
label or graphics on the container, does more than
attract the consumer. It also protects your product
from contamination and deterioration throughout its’
life. It must also provide information about your
product, in compliance with federal food labeling
regulations.
Labeling Regulations
The label on your food product must persuade a
consumer to choose your product over a
competitor’s. It announces what your product is,
what it is made of and possibly its nutritional
content. Your label must comply with regulations.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is
responsible for food safety and consumer protection.
Labeling regulations fall under its’ mandate. For
detailed information on food labeling check out
CFIA’s
A Guide to Food Labeling and Advertising.
The Food and Drug Act and regulations and the
Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and
regulations can be obtained from CIFA at www.
inspection.gc.ca
The following information simplifies the basic
labeling requirements for food products sold in
Canada.
Clerk Served Items
If your product is unpackaged until the time of sale
no label is required. For example a donut in an in-
store bakery, which the clerk puts in a bag for you.
In-store Prepackaged Products
If your food product is manufactured and packaged
on the premise before sale, or packaged from bulk
on the premises, your label must display:
• common product name
• net quantity statement (in metric)
• name and address of responsible party
• durable life (if product has a durable life of less
than 90 days). Durable life information must
include the packed on date and a best before date
and the in-store signage must outline storage
conditions and shelf life.
Wholesale Pre-packaged Products
If you are wholesaling or distributing prepackaged
products these are the labeling requirements:
• common product name
• net quantity statement (in metric)
• name and address of responsible party
• durable life date (if product has a durable life of
less than 90 days)
• best before date with storage conditions if they
differ from normal room temperature
• list of ingredients (listed in order of proportion –
largest to smallest)
• bilingual labeling if sold outside the local
government area
Farmers’ Markets
Labeling must meet the requirements outlined for
wholesaled pre-packaged products, as detailed
above.