Food Labeling Regulations: Canada Vs U.S.

Introduction

Food labeling regulations play a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety, transparency, and compliance with legal requirements. Both the U.S. and Canada have strict guidelines for food labels, but there are key differences between the two systems. This guide compares the labeling requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), helping businesses navigate cross-border food exports.

Regulatory Authorities

• United States: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates most food labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
• Canada: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees food labeling under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and the Food and Drugs Act.

Key Differences in Food Labeling Requirements

1. Language Requirements

• U.S.: English is required. Spanish is optional unless a product is marketed in Spanish-speaking regions.
• Canada: Labels must be bilingual (English and French), except for certain exemptions.

2. Nutrition Facts Panel

• U.S.: The Nutrition Facts panel follows FDA guidelines, which include serving size, calories, macronutrients, and a footnote explaining daily values.
• Canada: The Nutrition Facts Table is required, but it has a different format from the U.S. version, including dual-column labeling for certain package sizes.

3. Allergen Labeling

• U.S.: The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates the declaration of the top 9 allergens (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame).
• Canada: The CFIA requires the declaration of priority allergens, which include the U.S. allergens but also mustard and sulfites.

4. Ingredient List Formatting

• U.S.: Ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance by weight.
• Canada: Ingredients follow a similar rule but require grouping of sugars to improve transparency.

5. Front-of-Package (FOP) Labeling

• U.S.: Voluntary, but calorie declarations are required in some cases (e.g., vending machines, restaurants).
• Canada: Mandatory FOP symbols for high sodium, sugar, or saturated fat starting in 2026.

6. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)

• U.S.: Certain food products, such as beef, pork, and seafood, must declare their country of origin.
• Canada: Country of origin labeling is mandatory for specific commodities but generally not required for all foods.

7. Date Marking

• U.S.: Best-before dates are not mandatory except for infant formula.
• Canada: Best-before dates are required for prepackaged foods with a shelf life of 90 days or less.

Conclusion

Understanding these differences is essential for businesses shipping food between Canada and the U.S. Compliance with both regulatory systems ensures seamless market entry and prevents costly labeling errors. If you’re exporting food products, consult regulatory professionals or labeling specialists to ensure your packaging meets the necessary standards.