What Should Be on My Food Label to Be Compliant in Canada/USA

Mastering the Must-Haves for Irresistible, Compliant Food Labels

Navigating the world of food labeling can feel like a high-stakes puzzle, but nailing it is your ticket to dazzling customers in both Canada and the U.S.! Crafting a compliant, eye-catching label for your pre-packaged retail product isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about blending precision with pizzazz to stand out on crowded shelves. Whether you’re launching a mouthwatering snack or a game-changing health food, our guide breaks down the must-have elements for CFIA and FDA compliance, ensuring your product shines while avoiding costly missteps. Let’s dive into the art and science of irresistible food labeling!

Canada (CFIA) Label Requirements

Mandatory Label Elements:
  1. Bilingual Labeling (English & French) – All required text (except brand names) must appear in both official languages.
  2. Common Name – E.g., “Chocolate Chip Cookies.”
  3. Net Quantity – Metric units (e.g., “200 g”), in the lower 30% of the principal display panel.
  4. Nutrition Facts Table – Must follow the updated 2016 format (e.g., black/white box, regulated font size). Mandatory nutrients include:
    • Calories
    • Fat (incl. saturated & trans)
    • Carbohydrate (incl. fibre & sugars)
    • Protein
    • Cholesterol
    • Sodium
    • Key vitamins/minerals (Calcium, Iron, Potassium)
  5. Ingredient List – Listed in descending order by weight; must include sub-ingredients and allergens.
  6. Allergen Declaration – Mandatory for priority allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, etc.)
  7. Name & Address of Manufacturer/Importer
  8. Durable Life Date / Best Before Date – Required if shelf life ≤ 90 days (format: YY/MM/DD).
  9. Storage Instructions – If necessary to ensure safety/quality (e.g., “Keep refrigerated”).

USA (FDA) Label Requirements

Mandatory Label Elements:
  1. Statement of Identity – E.g., “High-Protein Gluten-Free Cookies.”
  2. Net Quantity of Contents – U.S. customary units first (e.g., “7 oz (198 g)”).
  3. Nutrition Facts Panel – Use FDA’s updated format. Required nutrients:
    • Calories
    • Total Fat (with Sat/Trans)
    • Cholesterol
    • Sodium
    • Total Carbohydrate (with dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars)
    • Protein
    • Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium
  4. Ingredients List – In descending order by weight.
  5. Allergen Declaration – For “Big 9” allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, sesame).
  6. Name & Address of Manufacturer/Distributor
  7. Country of Origin – If imported into the U.S. (e.g., “Product of Canada”).
  8. Best Before/Use By Date – Not mandatory for all products but recommended for perishable goods.

If Selling in Both Markets (Canada + USA)

To streamline labeling across both countries:

  • Use dual units: e.g., “Net Wt 7 oz (198 g)”
  • Include both Nutrition Facts formats side-by-side or back-to-back
  • Make bilingual labels (EN/FR) for Canada; English-only is acceptable in the U.S.
  • Ensure compliance with both countries' allergen rules (Canada has stricter sub-ingredient rules)
  • Claims (e.g., "Gluten-Free", "Low Sugar", "High Protein") must meet each country’s definition.

Of course, you should always have your label reviewed by a compliance specialist, but this checklist is a good starting point to save you time and money by avoiding back-and-forth communication with a specialist.

Looking for detailed help? Contact us, and we can connect you with a specialist!

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