Food Label Compliance and French Translation

We help you develop compliant labels and provide French translation services. Let us be your partner to create graphic labels ready-for-print, review labels for compliance and ensure your labels meet all new Health Canada food regulations. 

Food labeling regulations in Canada are designed to provide consumers with clear and accurate product information. From ingredient lists to nutrition facts, understanding the basics of food labeling will help you make informed decisions about what you eat.

Requirements for a Food Label In Canada

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) govern Canada’s food label regulations. Label requirements include country of origin, units of measure (where applicable), bilingual nutrition facts table, allergen statements. Depending on your nutrient profile as per the Nutrition Facts Table there may be an opportunity to qualify nutrient claims (eg. low in saturated fat, high in protein, etc.)

Core Labelling Requirements

Bilingual LabellingList of Ingredients and Allergens
Common NameNet Quantity
Country of Origin Nutrition Labelling
Date Markings and Storage InstructionsSweeteners
Name and Principal Place of BusinessFood Additives
Irradiated FoodsFortification
Legibility and LocationGrades
Standards of Identity

French Translation for Nutrition Facts Table

According to Health Canada, every piece of important information on consumer prepackaged food must be available in both languages, i.e., French and English. Such information includes core labelling requirements, like common name, and prescribed words or expressions for specific foods.

bilingual labelling requirements in canada
bilingual nutrition facts

Health Canada Food Label Compliance Solutions

Our compliance experts help you review labels for different types of foods like canned goods, beverages, cereals, dry products, meats and others. Besides, we provide French label translation services to meet Canadian legal and regulatory labelling requirements. We offer fast, affordable, packaging compliance solutions.

What is the basic Information needed on Food Labels in Canada?

Canadian food labels are legally required to have basic information about the product, such as its name, ingredients list, nutritional facts table, and allergen warnings. Also listed on most food labels are the lot number, expiration date or best before date, weight or volume of the product, country of origin, and contact information for the manufacturer. All this information must be written in both English and French so that bilingual consumers can easily understand it.

Food Label Requirements in Canada French Compliance
Food Label Requirements in Canada French Compliance

What are the Nutrition Facts Table and Serving Size Requirements?

Canadian food labels are legally required to have basic information about the product, such as its name, ingredients list, nutritional facts table, and allergen warnings. Also listed on most food labels are the lot number, expiration date or best before date, weight or volume of the product, country of origin, and contact information for the manufacturer. All this information must be written in both English and French so that bilingual consumers can easily understand it.

How are allergens and Intolerances listed and labeled on food labels in Canada?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, all food labels must list the presence of common allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites in amounts of 10 ppm or more. Listing these substances on a food label can help those who deal with allergies or intolerances make better-informed decisions about the products they choose to buy. Also, items must be labeled in bold font as part of the ingredient list if they contain any of these special food ingredients.

Food Label Requirements in Canada French Compliance
Food Label Requirements in Canada French Compliance

What are the prepackaged food products country of origin labelling requirements?

Prepackaged food products must specify the country of origin on their label if they contain ingredients from more than one country. The label should show the name(s) of any countries where an ingredient was grown, produced, packaged, or manufactured. However, a requirement for country of origin labeling does not apply to fruits, vegetables, or certain types of fish. It also does not cover single-ingredient foods such as coffee beans, salt, or baking soda.

What are the labelling regulations for alcoholic beverages in Canada?

All alcoholic beverages sold in Canada must comply with federal and provincial labeling requirements. At a minimum, those labels must include the product name and type, the alcohol content percentage, the net quantity of the container, and the supplier’s name and address. In addition to this information, wine products must also specify the vintner or grape variety used to make the product. Beer products must list their ingredients (including water), as well as any additives used in the product. For spirituous liquors such as vodka or gin, a statement of original proof is required.

Food Label Requirements in Canada French Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) govern Canada’s food label regulations. Label requirements include country of origin, units of measure (where applicable), bilingual nutrition facts table, and allergen statements. Depending on your nutrient profile as per the Nutrition Facts Table there may be an opportunity to qualify nutrient claims (e.g. low in saturated fat, high in protein, etc.)

All food products must be translated for the following in Canada:

  1. Common Name
  2. Country of Origin
  3. Date Markings and Storage Instructions
  4. Name and Principal Place of Business
  5. Irradiated Foods
  6. Legibility and Location
  1. Net Quantity
  2. Nutrition Labelling
  3. Sweeteners
  4. Food Additives
  5. Fortification
  6. Grades
  7. Standards of Identity
  8. Ingredients & Allergens

According to Health Canada, every piece of important information on consumer prepackaged food must be available in both languages, i.e., French and English. Such information includes core labeling requirements, common names, and prescribed words or expressions.

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