Health Canada to consult on front-of-package symbol to identify foods high in sodium, sugars, or saturated fat

Ottawa – Health Canada will launch consultations on regulations for a new front-of-package nutrition symbol on food as part of its healthy eating strategy.

The move is intended to make it easier for Canadians to make healthier food choices, Health Canada said in a news release.

Poor diets – including those that are high in sodium, sugars, or saturated fat – are a primary risk factor for diseases such as cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, said health minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor during a press conference in Ottawa.

The front of a food package is the first place consumers look for information, and a front-of-package symbol will provide a clear visual cue that a food is high in nutrients of public health concern, such as sodium, sugars, or saturated fat, the minister said. This symbol will complement the Nutrition Facts table on the back or side of the food package.

In order to receive feedback from Canadians before making a final decision on the symbol that will appear on foods high in nutrients of public concern, Health Canada launched consultations on the proposed front-of-package symbol earlier today.

To participate in the consultations, visit Health Canada’s website.