Labelling Requirements for Prepackaged Water and Ice

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provides information and guidance on the labelling requirements for water and ice which has been prepackaged in sealed containers for use by consumers. In addition, provincial regulations may also have requirements for prepackaged water and ice that apply to products sold in that province.

Requirements are specific to prepackaged water and ice. They are in addition to the core labelling and claim and statements pages of the Industry Labelling Tool that apply to all prepackaged foods.

Prepackaged water can come from a variety of sources including springs, aquifers, or municipal supplies and may be treated to make it fit for people to drink. Water represented as mineral or spring water has a prescribed standard requirements and also includes specific microbiological standards, acceptable treatments and specific labeling requirements.

Prepackaged spring or mineral water may not be subjected to any treatment that would modify the original composition of the water. It may be treated by the addition of carbon dioxide for carbonation, ozone for disinfection during the bottling process and fluoride for the prevention of dental carries. Drinking water that is not prepackaged, such as municipal water supplies.

Health Canada’s publication on Drinking Water guidelines provides information on non-prepackaged drinking water and is available here.

FAQ’s on bottled water is available on Health Canada’s website.