SGS Informs about Changes to Canadian Food Labeling and Advertising Information
Submitted by: SGS Consumer Testing Services
2012-07-20 05:51:04
(OPENPRESS) July 21, 2012 -- Most of the pre-packaged food products marketed in Canada require a label. The main function of food labeling is not to convince the consumer to buy a certain product, but to carry valuable information regarding the ingredients, nutritional content and processing of the relevant food item. Regulations and laws need hence to control the information allowed and required on food labels in order to ensure food safety and to avoid marketing driven misinformation.
Recently, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has provided several updates made to the food labeling and advertising information. The following summary outlines the main changes and new information.
Compliance and Enforcement of Gluten-Free Claims
Posted information on Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Compliance and Enforcement of Gluten-Free Claims, in June 2012.
Consultation on the Guidelines for Highlighted Ingredients and Flavors
Posting of the Guidelines for Highlighted Ingredients and Flavors for public comments, in June 2012.
Origin Claims Information
Consolidated information on Origin Claims and provided additional information on the use of voluntary multiple country of origin statements, in May 2012.
Country of Origin Labeling Information
To provide information on country of origin labeling requirements, a new webpage on Country of Origin Labeling has been added, in May 2012.
"Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" Labeling Information
Consolidated information on "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" Labeling including the Guidelines for "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" Claims, in May 2012.
Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods in Canada Factsheet
Consolidated the previous two factsheets on the labeling of genetically engineered foods and voluntary labeling of products of genetic engineering into one factsheet called Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods in Canada, in May 2012.
Food Irradiation Information
Consolidated information on Food Irradiation, in May 2012.
Method of Production Information
Consolidated information on claims and statements related to Method of Production and provided additional guidance on the use of "Halal" claims, in May 2012.
Legibility and Location of Labeling Information
Consolidated information on Legibility and Location of Labeling Information and provided additional guidance on the legibility and location requirements for mandatory and voluntary labeling information on food labels, in April 2012.
Date Markings Information
Consolidated information on Date Markings and provided additional guidance on the date marking requirements for foods including shipping containers and modified atmosphere packaged foods, in April 2012.
Bilingual Labeling Information
Consolidated information on Bilingual Labeling and provided additional guidance on bilingual labeling of voluntary information and the exemption from bilingual labeling for local foods, in April 2012.
Results from Web Questionnaire
Posting of the Results from the Web Questionnaire, in April 2012.
Chapter 6 Guide to Food Labeling and Advertising
Addition of Barley Beta-Glucan Concentrate (partially hydrolyzed),
BarlivTM Barley Betafiber to Table 6-12, in February 2012.
Consultation on Wine Labeling
Posting of the Consultation on Wine Labeling for public comments, in January 2012.
Detailed information is also available at the CFIA website (http://inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/amende.shtml).
About SGS Food Safety Services
SGS is committed to keeping you informed of regulatory news and developments. Leveraging the global network of laboratories and food experts, SGS provides a comprehensive range of food safety and quality solutions including analytical testing, audits, inspections, technical support and food label reviews (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Food/Retail-and-Hospitality/Testing-and-Analytical-Services/Food-Label-Reviews-and-Nutritional-Analysis.aspx). SGS continually invests in their world class testing capabilities and state-of-the-art technology to help you reduce risks, and improve food safety and quality.
Please contact the SGS Food Safety experts for further information.
Contact details:
SGS Consumer Testing Services
Stanislav Bozhkov
Technical Food Coordinator
SGS Canada
6490 Vipond Drive
Mississauga, ON
Canada L5T 1W8
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 70,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world.
