A new nutritional symbol on the front of packaging

HEALTH CANADA RECENTLY ANNOUNCED NEW REGULATIONS THAT WILL REQUIRE FOOD PRODUCTS HIGH IN SATURATED FATS, SUGARS OR SODIUM TO CARRY AN ADDITIONAL LOGO ON THE FRONT OF PACKAGING. THE FOOD INDUSTRY HAS UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2025 TO COMPLY.

CINTECH’S REGULATORY TEAM EXPLAINS THE IMPACT OF THIS CHANGE AND HOW YOU CAN ADAPT.

Formalized in 2022, this measure aims to help Canadians understand the nutritional information contained in the foods they eat, and to equip them to make different food choices by adding a symbol to the front of packaging. This symbol highlights, in a visible and accessible way, the high levels of sodium, saturated fats and sugars in foods, with the aim of guiding consumers towards healthy, informed choices.

Which products are concerned?

This new regulation applies to all food categories, with a few exemptions, such as fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, meat and fish). This means that all food products that meet or exceed specific thresholds will have to carry the new nutritional symbol. These thresholds are expressed as a percentage of the Daily Value (%DV) in the greater of the two following quantities: the food category reference quantity (RQ) or the portion indicated in the Nutrition Facts table (NFT). This generally applies to processed and pre-packaged foods such as deli meats, sauces, sweet and savoury snacks, cereals, beverages and frozen meals. Note that even newly fortified foods are affected.

The following conditions require the symbol to be displayed:

  • A regular food that provides 15% DV in sodium and/or sugar and/or saturated fat
  • A food consumed in small quantities (RQ < 30 g or ml) that provides 10%VQ
  • A main course ≥ 200 g that provides 30%VQ

Rules for displaying the logo on packaging

The regulations dictate to food processors the graphic specifications of the nutritional symbol, such as color, content, size and placement. The new symbol features a magnifying glass and indicates the nutrient with the highest content. This visual cue is designed to be easily identifiable on the front of the product. It complements the Nutrition Facts table already found on food packaging, to help Canadians make informed food choices.

Improving recipes to avoid the new labelling requirement

Is it possible to improve your recipes to avoid being affected by these new regulations? Indeed, in response to the new regulations, many food processors are currently mobilizing to identify ways of reducing the fat, sugar and sodium content of their products so as to avoid having to apply the symbol. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the changes to innovate and offer healthier foods. You can improve your recipes to meet nutritional criteria and avoid having to display the nutritional symbol on the front of your packaging, while continuing to satisfy consumer taste preferences. In so doing, you’ll be making an active contribution to enhancing the quality of the country’s food supply.

Not sure where to start? Contact our team, who will be able to help you with everything from recipe diagnostics and product labeling to product reformulation.