Exporting food to Canada: labelling
What a prepackaged food needs to be sold in Canada: bilingual labelling, metric net quantity and the front-of-package symbol.
What every label must carry
A prepackaged food sold in Canada must carry, in both English and French: the common name; the list of ingredients in descending order by weight, with priority allergens declared; the bilingual Nutrition Facts table; the net quantity in metric units; the name and principal place of business of the dealer; and a durable-life best-before date where required.
Who the dealer is
The dealer is the person by or for whom the food is manufactured or sold, and their name and principal place of business goes on the label. For an imported product this is often the Canadian importer, so an exporter needs a dealer identified on the Canadian pack rather than only a foreign address.
The front-of-package symbol
Most foods high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium also need the front-of-package nutrition symbol, which has been mandatory since January 1, 2026. Exporters should assume the symbol applies and check their nutrient levels early, because it changes the front-panel artwork, not just the back.
Meeting Canadian rules
The CFIA enforces these requirements under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and the Food and Drug Regulations. A label built for another market usually needs the French, the metric net quantity, the Canadian dealer and the front symbol added before it can ship — LabelYog builds it from your recipe.
At a glance
- Show the common name, ingredients and Nutrition Facts table in English and French
- List ingredients in descending order by weight with priority allergens declared
- State the net quantity in metric units
- Name the dealer and their principal place of business on the pack
- Add a durable-life best-before date where required
- Add the front-of-package symbol for foods high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium
Questions
What must appear on a food label sold in Canada?
The common name, bilingual ingredient list with allergens, bilingual Nutrition Facts table, metric net quantity, the dealer name and address, and a best-before date where required.
Does my label have to be bilingual?
Yes. Mandatory information must appear in both English and French, enforced by the CFIA under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and the Food and Drug Regulations.
Who counts as the dealer?
The dealer is the person by or for whom the food is manufactured or sold. Their name and principal place of business must appear on the label.
Do exported foods need the front-of-package symbol?
Most foods high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium do. The symbol has been mandatory since January 1, 2026.
What units are used for net quantity?
Net quantity must be shown in metric units.
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