OTTAWA,
ON, July 29, 2024 /CNW/ - As the plant-based
food industry continues to grow along with consumer demand for
these foods, the Government of Canada is working to develop clear guidance on
how to label and represent these products. The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a 90-day consultation on
proposed guidance for how to label and represent plant-based
alternatives to egg products.
In Canada, all information on
food labels or in advertisements must be truthful and not
misleading. Clear guidance will help industry comply with the
legislation and support consistency in how these foods are
promoted. It will also allow consumers to make informed food
choices that match their dietary preferences.
The guidance clarifies how to distinguish plant-based
alternatives from egg products and explains how the different
components on labels (such as words, images and packaging) should
be used to create an overall impression of the product that is not
misleading.
The CFIA would like to know if the proposed guidance gives food
businesses all the information they need to comply with the
legislation for labelling and representing plant-based alternatives
to egg products. While the proposed guidance is for industry, the
CFIA would also like to hear from consumers and other
organizations. Understanding what is important to consumers and how
they perceive these types of foods will help industry position
their products so the overall impression created is not confusing
or misleading.
Industry, consumers and other interested stakeholders are
encouraged to share their thoughts by October 28, 2024.
Quick facts
- The CFIA provides tools for industry to assist with regulatory
compliance, such as the Industry Labelling Tool. This tool
provides guidance to industry on food labelling, including common
name on food labels, general principles for labelling and
advertising, and pictures, vignettes, logos and trademarks on food
labels.
- You can report labelling concerns to the CFIA, but you can
also contact food businesses directly to report concerns and ask
questions about food labels and products. Consumer awareness
encourages industry to be more vigilant about how products are
represented.
Associated links
- Food labels
- Plant-based protein market: global and Canadian market analysis
- PDF (1,374 KB)
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) touches the lives of
all Canadians in so many positive ways. Each day, hard-working CFIA
employees—including inspectors, veterinarians and
scientists—inspect food for safety risks, protect plants from pests
and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could
threaten Canada's national herd
and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and
modern regulations, the Agency works tirelessly to ensure access to
safe and healthy food in Canada,
and support access to international markets for our high-quality
agricultural products. To learn more, visit
inspection.canada.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)