myFM: what’s new with labels?

New labeling is coming! Don’t get too excited just yet though, as manufacturers and packagers have until Jan 1, 2026 to update what you see as you look at a product. 

The press release explained that: 

“The new nutrition symbol includes a magnifying glass and text to draw attention to important information Canadians should consider as they are buying groceries. The symbol will complement theNutrition Facts table displayed on the back of food packages.”

The focus of the labeling is to call out products that are high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, in an effort to help consumers make better choices for their health. Interestinly two food groups that would fit the high fat category; dairy and beef, are exempt from the labeling after heavy lobbying from these farmer groups. 

Note:An adults sodium is ideallyless than 2,300 mg per day—that's equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt. 

Processors do have time to not only update their packaging, but in the face of getting a warning symbol that the product next on the shelf won’t have, they can also use this time to improve their products. 

The back of labels are confusing for most who turn their package over, so I do think this will help in the long run, but really, by 2026 there will be other heatlh issues to focus on and then what? Another four years to discuss that, and a total of eight until it actually gets in front of your face? Too long Health Canada, this is taking too long. Our food choices need to improve NOW, not in another four years. 

Quick facts shared in the press release: 

• Across the country, two in five adults have chronic diseases such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
• Health Canada is targeting saturated fat, sugars and sodium with its new front-of-package nutrition labelling regulations because of strong evidence linking their excess consumption to increased risks of chronic disease.
• It is estimated that a reduction of 400 mg of sodium per day, achieved over a 10-year period, would result in up to 40,000 fewer cases of coronary heart disease and 23,000 fewer cases of stroke annually.

Audio coming soon!