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Volume 14, Number 8 - August 2014

Hello from Food Label News. This month we highlight the proposed food label changes in Canada, released on the heels of similar changes for U.S. Several elements are similar but many are quite different. Read all about it and join the rich dialogue in the Food Label Community on LinkedIn. Enjoy your August.

In this issue you'll find:

 

"We're in the middle of a two-day FDA inspection with 3 auditors. Yesterday, they took a look at our labels/bags and complemented our labels. Thought you'd like to know that. When they asked who did the labels, I was rather proud. Thanks for the help during the years."

– Michelle Zimmerman
Alvarado Street Bakery

Health Canada Proposes Changes to Food Labels Rules

What's News in the Food Label Community

Reader Q&A: Net Weight for Lollipops

 

Karen C. Duester, President


Health Canada Proposes Changes to Food Labels Rules

Like the U.S., Canada is working to improve the way nutritional information is presented on food labels to help consumers make healthier choices.

 

Here's an overview of Canada's proposed changes:

Reader Favorites

U.S. Proposed Food Labels Rules
   

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Display calories closer to the top, bold type, larger font

Use a thick line to separate nutrients consumers may want less of such cholesterol and sodium, and those they may want more of such as fiber and protein

Include a separate listing for Added Sugars, add %DV for Total Sugars

Add to the mandatory listing Vitamin D and Potassium, remove Vitamins A and C

Add a footnote to the Nutrition Facts Table explaining how to use %DV

Make serving sizes more consistent for similar foods

Display the List of Ingredients in a box clearly marked with a title, black type on white background, upper and lower case lettering, bullets between ingredients

Group sugars-based ingredients (such as molasses, brown sugar, corn syrup) together

There are several similarities between U.S. and Canada food label proposals. For example, Calories are displayed more prominently, Added Sugars are declared, Vitamins A and C become voluntary, and Vitamin D and Potassium become mandatory. However, many differences still exist even though many in the food industry would appreciate food label harmonization between the two countries. Carefully study the nuances to plan how your food labels will be affected by the proposed changes in both U.S. and Canada.


What's News in the Food Label Community

U.S. Labeling: Information Panel - top left required?

Ingredient-based food fears and avoidance

Dietary Supplement with recipes for food use

Decimal places used for net weight

Non-GMO vs Organic

Join Food Label Community. Already a member, view Discussions.

Reader Q&A

Find answers to our readers' questions or send us your question for an upcoming issue.

Q.

We need to determine a net weight statement for lollipops. Should net weight include the sticks and wrappers or only the net weight of the candy? 
C.S., Illinois, Manufacturer

A.

The net weight statement is always based on the edible portion of the food only. In your case, the net weight statement would include the candy only and not the wrappers, sticks, or other packing materials. Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 21 CFR 101.105(g). Read more Q&As.


What Matters in Food Labeling

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