Some packaged food in Canada will have a new look in 2026.
Starting January 1, food whose single serving contains more than 15% of the daily value of sugar, sodium, and saturated fat must have front-of-package (FOP) warnings – a visual cue designed to help shoppers make healthier food choices. (The January 1 date relates to production, not when the product is sold; products made before that date may still be sold without the FOP label.)
These images must be placed on the front of the package, with size determined by the package. It must also be presented in English and French, Canada’s two official languages. (Examples are shown on Health Canada’s FOP website.)
Since mid-2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been running its first-stage enforcement, focusing on education and compliance promotion. As of 2026, the CFIA will begin taking action in cases of false and misleading labelling and address any safety issues related to these regulations. (Click here for more implementation information.)
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) surveyed its members about their readiness for this change, and found that most are on track to meet this deadline.
FOP labelling is designed to give consumers a fast visual cue, rather than relying on a full read of the nutrition label on the back of a package. While the FOP label is expected on products such as candy, chips, and soft drinks, it can also show up in unexpected places (such as 100% orange juice, which is nutritious). Context will be important, but the FOP label will still reinforce the goal of helping consumers make better food choices.
Food producers should visit the Health Canada and CFIA websites linked above for more information, and to ensure compliance with these regulations.
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