Front and Center: What Canada’s New Food Labelling Rules Mean for You (and Your Brand)
Big things are happening in the world of food packaging, and trust us, you’ll want to be front and center for this. On July 20, 2022, Health Canada introduced new front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labelling regulations that are changing the face of food packaging in Canada literally.
The deadline to comply? January 1, 2026. Tick-tock, label fam.
What Are These New FOP Symbols All About?
Under these new regulations, any prepackaged food that’s high in saturated fat, sugars, and/or sodium must wear a new symbol like a badge of (nutritional) truth. The symbol is a black-and-white magnifying glass that literally zooms in on the key nutrient(s) that exceed the regulated limits.
You’ll find it boldly displayed on the front of the package, right where shoppers can’t miss it. If your product contains more than 15% of the Daily Value (DV) for saturated fat, sugars, or sodium (5% for foods meant for kids), that symbol’s going on there.
No hiding in the back panel anymore.
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Not every product needs this label. There are some important exemptions, such as:
- Plain milk and yogurt
- Certain cheeses (hello, calcium!)
- Whole fruits and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or fat
- Raw, single-ingredient meat or seafood
Also excluded are small packaging formats (like teeny spice jars) and products with protective labelling requirements.
Why It Matters
This move isn’t just about slapping on symbols, it’s about empowering Canadians to make quick, informed food choices. By making it easier to identify products that are high in nutrients of concern, Health Canada aims to reduce diet-related diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
So yeah, it’s kinda a big deal.
How Altro Labels Can Help (and Save You from a 2025 Panic)
At Altro Labels, we’re here to help you flip the script on compliance. Think of us as your go-to packaging whisperers.
Whether you're printing fresh packaging or updating existing SKUS, we make it easy to integrate the new FOP nutrition symbol requirements. Our design team can incorporate the symbols and keep your brand looking sleek. Our production team? Fast, reliable, and fully compliant.
We help you meet the regs without sacrificing your shelf appeal.
Reminder: January 1, 2026, Is Closer Than It Looks
It might feel far away, but if you’re managing a product line, that deadline is just a blink away in production time. Get ahead now, and you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble that no one wants.
Let’s Talk Packaging
Have questions? Need help deciphering whether your product needs the new symbol? We gotcha.
Reach out to the Altro Labels team today. We'll help you stay on the right side of Health Canada’s new regs and keep your packaging poppin’.