Photo Credit: Health Canada
- WHAT?
Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling update is out – read it here!
Health Canada just published the future of Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition labelling based on proceedings from Sept. 18, 2017 Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. The document’s summary and subsequent social media comments from scientists and regulators signal big changes for food makers. Although ‘no firm decisions were reached and re-designed symbols would be subjected to further consultations,…Health Canada concluded that a mandatory ‘high in’ front-of-package labelling system is the most appropriate to use’. Front-of-Package examples included warning symbols implemented in other countries such as Chile and Ecuador. Are you ready for something like this?
- SO WHAT?
Consider if your packaged foods may have to show warning labels on front-of-package.
The ‘high in’ Front-of-Package label approach may require a black and white warning label on pack in the future but consumers already have a tool to focus on the 3 nutrients of public health concern in the NEW nutrition facts table (NFT). Have you considered what the % Daily Value (% DV) for sugars, sodium and saturated fat tells about foods? The NFT footnote explains the % DV as this: 5% or less is a little, 15% or more is a lot. The new FOP will make sure that the negative attributes of food products are represented to help Canadians make informed food choices. Health Canada recognizes that there is a gap in labelling between packaged foods and those sold in in grocery or restaurants. Future work with provincial and territorial counterparts will aim to find the best way to provide nutrition information in restaurants and other food service establishments.
- NOW WHAT?
Speak to a Registered Dietitian with food labelling expertise to plan your strategies.
Health Canada says ‘discussion is very important in moving this forward and we need to get it right’. We agree and encourage you to connect with Registered Dietitians who are regulated professionals accountable to the public based on the highest standards of science and ethics. Our influence runs deep and we look beyond the fads and gimmicks to deliver reliable advice that supports healthy living for all Canadians.
Contact us to help you meet the demands of rethinking food labelling and to guide your team in unlocking food’s nutrition potential.
Contact us for comments or questions.