In the past few years, Canada has put in place regulations which permit greater communication of health benefits of food on product labels. Although the number of health claims is currently limited, mechanisms are in place for new claims to be added when sufficient evidence of product quality, safety, and efficacy can be provided. Foods in Canada are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. Traditionally, Canadian regulations were designed to prevent adulteration of foods. Standards were set to define many food products. For example, jams must have a minimum content of fruit and sugar. Our regulations also provide lists of what quantities of specific ingredients can be added to categories of foods based on their purpose. Companies developing new ingredients must apply to Health Canada to have their ingredient listed in the regulations before it can be used in food products sold in Canada.
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