Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has launched a 60-day online consultation to gather input on the Draft Joint Policy Statement on Food Labelling Coordination. The policy aims to provide the food industry with greater predictability and coordination for food labelling changes.
The Food and Drugs Act and the Safe Food for Canadians Act provide a framework that governs the labelling of foods sold in Canada. This framework protects the health and safety of Canadians and supports consumer protection and a fair and secure marketplace. Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) share responsibility for food labelling regulations.
Health Canada and CFIA update labelling requirements for food products for several reasons. For example, amendments may be proposed to align requirements with advancements in science to protect the health and safety of Canadians, to align with Codex Alimentarius guidance, to promote harmonization between requirements in different jurisdictions, or to facilitate innovation.
This joint policy statement outlines Health Canada and CFIA’s commitment to enhance coordination of changes to food labelling requirements and to establish predictable compliance dates for these changes.
Health Canada and CFIA are looking for feedback from all interested Canadians, including:
- Industry associations (e.g. manufacturers and processors)
- Agri-food companies
- Provincial and territorial partners
- Health researchers and advocates
- Consumer groups
Consultation open for input and comments from February 2, 2021 and closes on April 3, 2021.
To request a copy of the proposed joint policy statement, email us at hc.bpiia-bpaii.sc@canada.ca. All feedback should be emailed to this same address.
For more information, including where to submit comments, please see the Health Canada consultation page.
For any questions, please contact hc.bpiia-bpaii.sc@canada.ca
For more information consult: Food and Drugs Act
Safe Food for Canadians Act
Agri-food and Aquaculture Sectoral Regulatory Review Roadmap