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11-23-2021
Notice to industry: Information regarding certain labelling and packaging requirements for certain pre-packaged foods due to extreme flooding in British Columbia
Due to the extreme flooding in British Columbia (BC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is providing the following information for regulated parties regarding labelling and packaging requirements for certain foods imported from the United States and sold at retail or to foodservice establishments in BC. There is no change to requirements for food sold at retail or to foodservice establishments in the rest of Canada.
Labelling and packaging requirements for certain pre-packaged foods
Canadian laws and regulations remain in force, including those related to food labelling.
However, the CFIA recognizes that circumstances related to the extreme flooding in BC may make it difficult for industry to comply with regulatory requirements while ensuring safe food is available for consumers in grocery stores.
Accordingly, in cases of non-compliance related to non-food safety labelling and packaging requirements for the following food products, the CFIA will exercise its enforcement discretion in consideration of the flooding in British Columbia:
canned foods
dry pasta
infant food (excluding formula)
eggs
meat
fresh fruits and vegetables
milk
bottled water
Despite the above, when the products listed are sold in BC during this flooding event, they must continue to:
meet all Canadian food safety requirements
have labels that are not false, misleading or deceptive
include the following information, as applicable to the product:
1.a common name
2.a list of ingredients and Canadian priority allergen and gluten source declaration
3.a name and contact information for the person responsible for the food
4.a net quantity (in metric or imperial units)
5.a lot code identifier (such as date of production, best before date, lot number)
6.storage instructions, expiry date, best before date
7.directions for use (such as safe cooking instructions)
8.any applicable food safety statements (for example, previously frozen, mechanically tenderized meat)
Labelling format
The product information listed above can be provided in any legible format or in any place on the label.
If the product information listed above is not on the label, it could be applied to or might accompany the food packaging in any legible format and by any means, such as a sticker or a highly visible sign at the point of purchase.
The information must be available to the consumer or final purchaser.
Language requirements for labelling
Product information listed above is, where required, to be provided on the label of the pre-packaged food in both English and French.
Any product information listed above that cannot be provided in both English and French must be made available by other means, such as a sticker, a leaflet, a highly visible sign at the point of purchase, or on the retail business website (with instructions on how to access it).
