Canada’s New Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels: What Food Innovators and Consumers Need to Know

Published on: July 24, 2025

Author: Team Navoriah

In an effort to reduce diet-related chronic diseases and empower Canadians to make healthier choices, Canada is introducing mandatory front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition symbols on prepackaged foods that are high in saturated fat, sugars, and/or sodium.

This is more than just a label change—it's a regulatory pivot with widespread implications across the food value chain, from product formulation to retail positioning.

When Do the New Rules Take Effect?

Health Canada finalized the front-of-pack nutrition labelling regulations in July 2022, but the compliance deadline gives businesses time to adapt:

Effective Date for Compliance:January 1, 2026

This transition period allows manufacturers to update packaging and reformulate products if needed to avoid the symbol.

What is the Front-of-Pack (FOP) Symbol?

The FOP symbol is a simple, black-and-white magnifying glass icon that appears on the upper half of the front labelof packaged food products. It includes the phrase:

“High in [saturated fat/sugars/sodium]”

Multiple nutrients can be listed if a product exceeds thresholds for more than one.

Which Products Are Affected?

Any prepackaged food sold in Canada that exceeds set thresholds must display the FOP symbol, unless it qualifies for an exemption.

Thresholds for Triggering the Symbol:

These are based on the “reference amount” (typically a standard serving size) and per serving of the product:

Nutrient	Threshold (per reference amount and serving)
Saturated fat	≥15% DV (daily value)
Sugars	≥15% DV
Sodium	≥15% DV

For foods intended for children (ages 1–4), the thresholds are more stringent (≥10% DV).

Exemptions and Exceptions

Not all products are required to carry the FOP symbol. Exemptions include:

• Whole, single-ingredient foods (e.g. fresh fruits, vegetables, meat)

• Dairy products with specific calcium levels

• Products sold in very small packages (less than 30 cm² label space)

• Foods that are already health-focused, like certain unsweetened dairy and infant foods

• Foods with recognized health benefits, like nuts, fish, or certain oils

  
  

What This Means for Food Manufacturers

Canadian and international food companies selling into the Canadian market must now:

1. Review Nutrient Profiles: Audit current product lines for sodium, sugar, and saturated fat content.

2. Consider Reformulation: Many brands are reducing salt, sugar, or fat levels to fall below thresholds and avoid the symbol.

3. Update Packaging and Labeling: Labels must now include the standardized FOP symbol if thresholds are exceeded.

4. Reposition Brand Messaging: Highlighting low sodium/sugar/saturated fat or reformulated ingredients may become a competitive edge.

   
   

Navoriah’s Perspective: Why This Matters

For innovators and stakeholders in the food system, this is more than just a compliance task—it’s an opportunity to build consumer trust, differentiate through clean label practices, and align with health-conscious values.

At Navoriah, we help food and agri-tech businesses:

• Identify which SKUs are affected

• Navigate compliance requirements with confidence

• Reformulate or develop new, regulation-ready products

• Communicate health-forward innovation to buyers and consumers

This regulation is part of a broader movement toward sustainable, transparent, and responsible food systems—and Navoriah is ready to guide you through it.

Take Action Now

With the compliance date approaching in January 2026, the time to act is now. Whether you’re a processor, brand owner, R&D lead, or startup—early adaptation offers significant advantages.

📩 Contact us: info@navoriah.com 🌐 Website: www.navoriah.com

Let’s work together to make regulatory compliance a catalyst for better products—and better health.