New Allergen Labelling Rules for Canada
FDA has required "Big 8"
allergen labeling for packaged foods sold in the U.S. since
January 1, 2006. Until recently, allergen labelling
guidelines from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were
voluntary for foods sold in Canada. As of August 4, 2012,
compliance with new Canadian regulations becomes mandatory.
Canada's new allergen
labelling regulations expand beyond U.S. requirements to
target not only food allergies, but also celiac disease and
sulfite sensitivity. To view a chart comparing the U.S. and new
Canadian requirements click
here.
In Canada, like the U.S.,
allergens (and gluten sources, sulfites) must now be plainly
named in either the ingredient statement or in a separate
"Contains" statement. When declared within the ingredient
statement, brackets may be used following the ingredient
name if the consumer may not know the ingredient is derived
from an allergen (or gluten source, sulfite); for example:
sodium caseinate [milk]. When a "Contains" statement is
used, it is not necessary to also include the common name of
the allergen in brackets in the ingredient statement.
Precautionary statements are
still under review by Health Canada, but if used, are
advised to begin with either "may contain" or "not suitable
for consumption by persons with an allergy to" preceding the
allergen's common name.
More information about Canada’s
requirements
More information about U.S. allergen
labeling
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Keeping You Current
2nd Genesis Training
scheduled with IFT:
registration now open
National Organic Standards
Board to meet in April
Codex Committee on Food Labeling: meeting
agenda
Canada's definition for
Dietary Fibre under review
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