From Health Canada

Current status: The public consultation is now closed. Please participate in the Consultation on proposed front-of-package labelling.

The public consultation is now closed.

Why

Health Canada is proposing mandatory front-of-package labelling for foods high in nutrients that are a public health concern. These nutrients are: sugars

sodium

saturated fat Frequently eating foods high in these nutrients can lead to increased health risks, such as: obesity

heart disease

high blood pressure We're also proposing to update other front-of-package components, including certain label claims and sweetener information.

Who

We're seeking input from all interested Canadians, including: consumers who are interested in healthy eating

industry members and associated organizations

health professionals and associated organizations

all levels of government

academics and researchers

non-government organizations

What

We would like to get input on: warnings for foods high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat

updates to nutrient content claims and other nutrition-related statements

nutrient levels (thresholds) used to identify if a product is high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat

foods containing sweeteners

What does this mean for Canadians?

For Canadians, mandatory front-of-package labelling for foods high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat could: provide quick and easy guidance to help you make informed choices about packaged foods

What does this mean for industry?

For industry, mandatory front-of-package labelling for foods high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat could mean: encouraging the availability of more food products in the marketplace that are lower in these nutrients of concern through reformulation

changes to food labels to include the front-of-package symbol The implementation of the proposed front-of-package labelling would align with updates currently underway to the: list of ingredients

nutrition facts table This will minimize the number of times label changes are needed.

What does this mean for health professionals?

For health professionals, mandatory front-of-package labelling for foods high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat could mean: new labels to help educate consumers

potentially improved nutritional quality of packaged foods available in the marketplace

When and where

This consultation is available online between November 14, 2016, and January 13, 2017. We plan to have further consultations in Fall 2017.

How to participate

The consultation document gives you information on the background and measures being considered. You may submit your comments: online using the web form

by email in electronic files such as: Microsoft Word Adobe Acrobat

by mail

by fax We will review and consider all comments received by January 13, 2017.

A new approach to communication with stakeholders

The Government of Canada is committed to openness and transparency. Health Canada will support this commitment by: making more information available to Canadians

providing more opportunities to participate in discussions on government policies and priorities Formal written submissions in response to this consultation will continue to be summarized in a report that will be made publicly available. These may include a: Summary of Comments

What We Heard report However, ‎the individual submissions may be released upon request under the Access to Information Act. All other correspondence and all meetings with stakeholders will be published monthly online in list format, including the: organization name

date

subjects

purpose of the meeting

title of any documents provided during meetings This includes correspondence and meetings related to healthy eating initiatives in which opinions, information, and requests for information are communicated to inform the development of: policies

guidance

regulations ‎

Related information

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