Canada will add nutritional warnings to the front of packaged foods containing high levels of saturated fat, sugar, or sodium so that grocery shoppers can make healthier choices at a glance. Request.
However, minced meat will be exempt from the label after a group of ranchers opposed Health Canada’s proposal earlier this month.
The government intends to help Canadians eat healthier because so-called “nutrients of public health concern” are associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Say there is.
“These regulations are aimed at facilitating healthier choices that are informed,” said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
Health Canada said the new label would normally complement rather than replace the more detailed nutritional information on the back of food packaging.
Generally, they are placed in packaged foods that contain at least 15% of the recommended daily value of saturated fat, sugar, or sodium. For pre-packaged meals, the warning will only appear on items that exceed 30% of the recommended daily intake.
Minced meat exempt from warning
The proposed label became the center of controversy earlier this month when a group of ranchers opposed the government’s plan to include a warning in minced meat.
At the time, the Canadian Cowherd Association said the policy “blamed” minced meat and made people think it was a less healthy choice than the whole cut.
Health Canada is now exempting minced meat from warning labels, even if it is high in fat and salt. This product, along with milk, many cheeses and fruits, was considered to have health benefits despite being a “nutrient of concern”.
“Canada families rely on ground beef as a nutritious and affordable staple food and an important contributor to food security. Exclude ground beef from requiring misleading warning labels. I’m happy with the Canadian Ministry of Health’s decision, “said Leg Schellenberg, President of the Canadian Beef Association. Written statement.
Sugar and salt packages are also exempt. The government said it would be redundant to include labels on such products.
The rule is expected to come into effect in early 2026, stating that the government will give businesses ample time to manage package adjustment costs.
Health Canada also limits the size of “voluntary health-related information,” such as labels declaring high-fiber items.
