New regulations regarding front-of-package nutrition labels
Did you know that Health Canada is introducing a new regulation regarding nutritional labeling on packaged foods? Starting in January 2026, foods that are high in saturated fats, sugar, or sodium must display a nutrition symbol in the form of a magnifying glass on the front of their packaging. This symbol aims to provide consumers with a clear and immediate visual cue to help guide their food choices.
This type of nutritional labeling is widely supported by health organizations and the scientific community as an effective strategy to address the growing rates of chronic diseases linked to poor dietary habits.
Photo : Health-Canada – Nutrition Symbol
The new regulation summarized in 10 points:
1. Mandatory symbol: The nutrition symbol must be displayed on the front of most prepackaged products that contain high levels of sodium, sugar, or saturated fats.
2. Objective: The regulation aims to help consumers make healthier food choices by quickly identifying foods that are high in these nutrients.
3. Specific criteria: The symbol must be displayed if a product exceeds 15% of the recommended daily value (DV) for sodium, sugars, or saturated fats, or 30% for ready-to-eat meals.
4. Exemptions: Certain foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and some cooking oils, are not required to display this symbol, even if they contain these nutrients.
5. Standardized format: The symbol will be consistent across all products, ensuring uniformity and making it easier for consumers to recognize. It must be placed on the most visible part of the packaging (the side most likely to be seen at the point of purchase) and appear in both official languages.
6. Strategic placement: The symbol must be placed on the front of the packaging to make it readily visible.
7. Implementation date: The regulation will take effect in January 2026.
8. Company responsibility: Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are labeled correctly in accordance with the new Health Canada guidelines.
9. Consumer awareness: Awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the public about the importance of the symbol and nutrition.
10. Anticipated impact: This initiative is a key element of a larger strategy to reduce chronic diseases related to diet, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
How to integrate the new symbol into your packaging
The first step is to determine whether your products are required to display the symbol; product type and reference serving size are determining factors. Some products may be exempt for technical or health-related reasons. This initial analysis will help prioritize the tasks that need attention.
It’s also important not to underestimate the time needed to prepare for the new regulation. Adjusting recipes and ingredients, redesigning packaging, managing printer and regulatory timelines, handling existing stock, budgeting for the transition, and coordinating with retailers are all essential steps in this complex process. This change presents a significant challenge that demands careful planning and a substantial investment of both time and resources.