CFIA seeking comments on food labelling

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) launched its Food Labelling Modernization initiative in June 2013, and now the multi-part consultation approach is heading into its third phase, asking Canadians to comment on proposals like best before date format revisions, improving legibility of information and requiring more modern forms of contact information.

The CFIA analyzed feedback from the first two consultation phases and created a discussion document outlining the proposals now available online for public comment until February 28, 2017. The new online questionnaire has three parts: 

1. Demographic information
2. Background on the purpose of food labelling regulations and food compositional standards
3. Specific proposals to modernize regulations and establish a new approach for consumer values claims that appear on food labels.

The CFIA suggests that on average, it should take approximately 45 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

It is suggested that participants review the summary reports on the first and second round of consultations. 

Health Canada is responsible for health and nutrition information on food labels and the CFIA is responsible for all other information, such as best before dates, dealer contact information, and country of origin. The CFIA enforces all federal food labelling requirements.