Survey of Food Product Labels to Assess Compliance With Labelling Provisions in Canada

Abstract

Food product labels are a public health tool that guides consumers in making food choices. In December 2016, the Government of Canada amended the Food and Drug Regulations (i.e., nutrition labelling, list of ingredients, and food colour requirements). Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) developed an implementation plan that focussed on education and compliance promotion of the new labelling provisions (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2022a). This progressive approach allows regulated parties to transition to the new changes gradually. As of December 15, 2021, the former regulations are no longer in effect, and the new labelling requirements apply. This study will survey food labels on products available in the marketplace, regarding the current labelling requirements, and determine whether there is a discrepancy in properly labelled food products between chain versus independent grocery stores of different ethnicity.