Canadian Food Label Checklist

Mandatory Label Elements

1. Common Name

• Product identity clearly stated in English and French
• Common name is accurate and not misleading
• Font size meets minimum requirements (1.6 mm based on lowercase “o”)

2. Net Quantity Declaration

• Stated in metric units (grams, kilograms, millilitres, litres)
• Appears on principal display panel
• Listed in both English and French
• Font size appropriate for package size

3. Date Marking

• “Best Before” date included (if shelf life is 90 days or less)
• Date format: Year/Month/Day or Month/Day (if within same year)
• Storage instructions included if required for date validity
• Packaged on date (if applicable for certain products)

4. Nutrition Facts Table

• Standard format used (unless exempted)
• Serving size clearly stated
• Calories per serving listed
• 13 core nutrients included (if applicable)
• % Daily Value shown where required
• Bilingual (English and French)
• Font size legible (minimum requirements met)

5. Ingredient List

• All ingredients listed in descending order by weight
• Bilingual (English and French)
• Priority allergens identified (separate statement or in ingredient list)
• Added sugars identified with appropriate terminology
• Constituent ingredients shown when required

6. Allergen Information

• Priority allergens clearly declared:
  
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Mustard
  • Peanuts
  • Crustaceans and molluscs
  • Fish
  • Sesame seeds
  • Soy
  • Sulphites (10 ppm or more)
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat and triticale
• Gluten sources identified
• “Contains” statement used (recommended)

7. Name and Address

• Name and principal place of business of manufacturer, importer, or distributor
• Canadian address included
• Bilingual information

8. Country of Origin (if required)

• Country of origin stated when mandatory
• Accurate representation of product source

Additional Requirements (Product-Specific)

9. Irradiation Symbol

• International irradiation symbol (Radura) if product is irradiated
• Statement “Irradiated” or “Treated with radiation”

10. Grade or Quality Statement (if applicable)

• Canada grade name shown if product is graded
• Appropriate for product category

11. Special Claims (if made)

• Nutrient content claims comply with regulations
• Health claims are approved and accurate
• Organic claims certified and verified
• Front-of-package symbols (if applicable for high sodium, sugars, or saturated fat)

12. Instructions for Use (if needed)

• Preparation instructions included when necessary
• Safe handling instructions for raw products
• Bilingual

Label Layout & Design

13. Principal Display Panel (PDP)

• Common name prominently displayed
• Net quantity declaration visible
• No crowding or misleading elements
• Bilingual requirements met

14. Legibility

• Contrasting background and text colors
• Minimum font sizes met
• No obscured text by seams, folds, or graphics

15. Bilingual Requirements

• All mandatory information in English and French
• Equal prominence for both languages
• Separate or combined format acceptable