Canada's new Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutrition labelling requirements are coming into effect on January 1st, 2026, with the goal of helping consumers make informed choices about the foods they purchase.

These regulations mandate that prepackaged foods high in sugar, sodium and/or saturated fats must display a clear and concise nutrition symbol on the front of the package, making it easier for shoppers to make informed decisions. 

Here’s an example of what that might look like for your brand:

Source: www.canada.ca  

Here’s what you need to know about the new Front of Pack labelling requirements. 

1. Why the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing Front of Pack regulations: 

• To help consumers quickly identify foods high in saturated fats, sugars, and sodium. 
• Encourage food manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet healthier standards. 
• Reduce the incidence of chronic diseases linked to excessive consumption of these nutrients. 

2. Will my CPG brand be impacted by the change?  

• CPG food & beverage products high in saturated fat, sugars, and/or sodium—must display a standardized FOP nutrition symbol. 
• Here are the guidelines that determine “high in” products: 
• The label must appear on the front of the food package, making it easily visible to consumers (you can’t hide it on a side panel or back of pack). 
• Saturated fat: Foods with ≥15% of the daily value (DV) per serving. 
• Sugars: Foods with ≥15% of the DV per serving. 
• For small serving sizes (30 g/30 mL or less): The threshold is ≥10% of the DV per serving. 
• Sodium: Foods with ≥15% of the DV per serving. 

3. Are there any exemptions? 

Certain food categories are exempt from the FOP labeling requirements, including: 

• Whole fruits and vegetables without added ingredients. 
• Certain dairy products like plain milk and plain yogurt (to recognize their nutritional benefits). 
• Raw, single-ingredient meats and seafood. 
• Supplements, meal replacements, infant formula and baby food 
• Foods with small package sizes (surface area of 15 cm² or less). 
• Other examples include products created for restricted diets etc. 

4. Implications for brands: 

• Packaging updates: All packaging must comply with the new labeling standards by the deadline. 
• Reformulation: Many companies may opt to reformulate products to avoid the "high in" label. 
• Consumer perception: Brands will need to carefully manage consumer messaging to maintain trust and market positioning. 

If you’re a brand that may be impacted by the changes, our packaging and production team can guide you through the updates to ensure you are compliant and ready for 2026. 

Download Our .eps Files

Additionally, to assist food manufacturers and brands in meeting the new standards, we offer .eps files for the FOP nutrition symbols, fully compliant with Health Canada's guidelines and easily integrated into your packaging designs. 

A. Horizontal Bilingual Format

Download .eps file

B. Rectangle Bilingual Format

Download .eps file

C. Slim Bilingual Format

Download .eps file

D. Vertical Unilingual Format

Download .eps file

Note - If you’re looking for specific details on how to apply it and where to apply the FOP nutrition symbol, visit the government of Canada website. 

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