Canada to require 'warning' labels on food packages; law in effect

 

 

Warning labels are now mandatory on food products available in supermarkets in Canada. This came into effect on January 1. The change is to help people make healthy food choices. Accordingly, if the products are high in saturated fat, sodium (salt), and sugar, it must be clearly stated on the front of the package.

According to Health Canada's new directive, this black and white label must be provided on the top of the package in a way that consumers can identify at a glance. This new change is to prevent lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes and to help people make healthy food choices. This new label on the front is in addition to the nutrition table currently on the back of the package. Generally, if a food contains more than 15 percent of the daily requirement, it is considered 'high'. This label is mandatory on packages containing these types of substances.

Nutritionists say that these labels would be of great benefit given the increasing obesity and related diseases among adults and children in Canada. This regulation would be stricter for junk foods and processed foods.