Food Labeling Requirements in Canada (+Additional Tips for Meat Industry)
Food product labeling is about more than following the law. Proper labeling can take your operation to the next level!
在加拿大, the food industry places a strong emphasis on consumer safety and 透明度, especially when it comes to meat and poultry processing plants. This commitment is reflected in strict food labeling requirements discussed in this article.
For meat industry businesses, proper labeling is more than meeting legal obligations. It plays a significant role in establishing a positive reputation and fostering customer loyalty. When consumers trust the information provided on meat product labels, it enhances the growth and efficiency of production.
The importance of accurate and informative food labeling cannot be overstated, especially for meat industry businesses in Canada. 在这个博客中, you’ll learn many of the crucial aspects businesses should know about labeling to stay compliant with the requirements at all times.
什么是食品标签?
Food labeling is how food manufacturers display important information on food packages. This includes packaged meat products. This helps the consumer understand what is in the food they purchase. It includes details like the product name, 成分, 营养成分, and any important warnings such as allergens. For meat products, labels provide specific information about the processing and handling of the meat. This allows us to make informed choices about the meat we consume. Food labeling also promotes 透明度 in the meat processing industry in Canada.
What is 要求 on food labels in Canada?
在加拿大, food labels are subject to specific requirements to ensure consumer safety, 透明度, 以及明智的决策. Here are some key elements that are 要求 to be included on food labels in Canada:
产品名称: The name of the food product should be clearly stated on the label.
配料表: A complete list of 成分 used in the product, with the most predominant ingredient listed first, 是强制性的.
过敏原信息: Any allergens present in the food product must be identified on the label. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, wheat, eggs, fish, and shellfish.
营养成分: Food labels should provide standardized nutritional information, 包括卡路里的数量, 脂肪, 碳水化合物, 蛋白质, 糖, and key vitamins or minerals per serving.
原产地: The label must indicate the country where the food product was produced or manufactured.
双语标签: Canada’s official languages are English and French, so food labels must be presented in both languages.
最佳食用日期: Perishable and semi-perishable foods should have a “best before” date to inform consumers of the product’s quality and freshness.
Handling and 存储指令: Labels may include instructions on proper handling and storage of the food product to maintain its quality and safety.
转基因标签: If the food product contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs) above a specified threshold, it must be clearly indicated on the label.
营养及健康声明: Any nutrition or health claims made on the label must be scientifically supported and comply with specific regulations.
净数量: The quantity of the food product in the package, 以公制单位表示, 应该在标签上说明吗.
公司信息: The name and address of the company responsible for the food product should be provided.
Exemptions to the Food Labeling Requirements in Canada
Certain products get a special pass from the obligatory labeling requirement in Canada, 正如FDR和SFCR所述:
- Individual one-bite confections, sold separately: 然而, if more than one individual one-bite confection is bundled in the same package, it will no longer qualify as a one-bite confection. 此外, 不管它们的大小, lollipops won’t be considered one-bite confections due to their stick, allowing them to be enjoyed in multiple bites.
- Fresh fruits or fresh vegetables wrapped with a band or wrapper less than 13 mm: 例如, 想想新鲜的西兰花, 芦笋, 或大黄, which are commonly held together by twist ties or rubber bands.
- Fresh fruits or vegetables encased in transparent protective wrappers or bags: These display only limited information like price, 条形码, 数字代码, 环境声明, 或产品处理符号. Common examples of such protective packaging include English cucumbers, 生菜或花椰菜的头, 还有一串串葡萄.
Labelling requirements for meat and poultry products in Canada
肉类检验传奇
Before meat products can be sold to consumers, they must undergo a comprehensive inspection process. This process includes examinations for wholesomeness and safety. Food inspections are conducted by provincial or federal inspectors at the establishments where the meat is processed and packaged. If the meat meets all the necessary requirements, the meat inspection legend is applied to the packaging to indicate its compliance with provincial or federal regulations.
The meat inspection legend plays a crucial role in ensuring that Canadian meat products are safe and of high quality. Consumers are advised to look for this legend on meat packaging to make informed choices and purchase products that have met the 要求 inspection standards.
“Sell by”, “Prepared on”, “Freeze by”, “Manufactured on” 日期
“按”日期出售, “准备”日期, “冷冻”日期, and “manufactured on” dates may be of value to the consumer or the manufacturer (e.g., lot codes) and therefore are not prohibited on food products, provided they are not misleading and the label meets appropriate requirements. 然而, they do not replace the requirements for “best before” dates, and any dating system that has the same intent as durable life information must follow the prescribed manner of declaration.
“冷冻”日期
It is acceptable to declare a “freeze by” date in addition to, 这就等于, the “best before” date in a clear statement indicating that the product can be frozen if not consumed by the “best before” date.
For example: Best before / Meilleur avant or Freeze by / Congelez avant June 28 juin
存储指令
Storage instructions are mandatory on edible meat products not considered shelf stable that require a “best before” date which consists of one of the following statements, 以适用者为准:
Keep refrigerated / Garder au Froid or Keep frozen / Garder congelé
生产日期或批号
All meat products must be labeled with the production date or with a code identifying the production lot. This code or date of production must appear on the immediate container of prepackaged meat products or on a tag attached to it.
营养标签
The Nutrition Facts table 是强制性的 for most prepackaged meat products. 预先包装好的碎肉, 碎肉副产品, 碎禽肉, and 碎禽肉 by-products must always carry a Nutrition Facts table. The following products are exempt from displaying a Nutrition Facts table:
- raw, single-ingredient meat, meat by-products, poultry meat, and poultry by-products;
- foods sold only in the retail establishment where the product is prepared and processed, including products made from a pre-mix when an ingredient other than water is added to the pre-mix; and
- individual servings of foods that are sold for immediate consumption (e.g. 三明治或现成的沙拉), when these have not been subjected to a process or special packaging, such as modied atmosphere packaging, 延长它们的耐用寿命.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with meat labeling regulations in Canada?
Non-compliance with meat labeling regulations in Canada can have serious consequences for individuals or businesses involved. The specific penalties and enforcement actions can vary based on the nature and severity of the violation, but some common consequences include:
罚款: Non-compliance may result in financial penalties imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The fines can vary depending on the nature and extent of the violation.
产品召回: If the non-compliance involves a significant safety or health concern, the CFIA may order a product recall. This can be costly for businesses and damage their reputation.
扣押产品: Authorities may seize products that are found to be in violation of labeling regulations. This can lead to significant financial losses for the non-compliant party.
法律行动: The CFIA can take legal action against individuals or businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with labeling regulations. This may lead to court proceedings and further penalties.
Suspension or Cancellation of License: For businesses involved in non-compliance, the CFIA may suspend or cancel their license to operate in the food industry.
名誉损害: Non-compliance with labeling regulations can lead to negative publicity and harm a company’s reputation. Consumers may lose trust in the brand and avoid purchasing their products in the future.
卡莱尔食品标签解决方案
拉菲2在线登录注册 has been serving the meat industry for over 35 years. Our plant-floor weighing and labeling software was developed to help processors properly weigh and label meat products.
With 拉菲2在线登录注册’s integrated solutions, meat processing plants can reduce human errors, 提高吞吐量, and streamline the entire labeling process. For more information on our weighing and labeling solutions go to http://bpqp2.hardknocksofhustle.com/icap.
信息来源:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Food Labelling Requirements
Written by: Can Malay, SEO Specialist – 拉菲2在线登录注册
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