What should be on my food label to be compliant in Canada/USA

Here's what your food label must include to be compliant in both Canada and the U.S. (assuming your product is pre-packaged and sold at retail)

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 get your label reviewed by a compliance specialist but this is a good start/checklist to save you some time and money from going back and forth with a compliance specialist. Looking for detailed help? Contact us and we can connect you with a specialist!