Food Label Compliance in Canada: 10 Mistakes Every Brand Makes

Wentsi Yeung
Aug 29
3 min read

Published: August 2025 · By Blue Aster Consulting

Food labels are one of the first things both inspectors and customers notice. A small error can mean fines, product recalls, or lost shelf space, not to mention consumer distrust. Here are the 10 most common mistakes Canadian food businesses make with labels, and how you can avoid them.

1. Missing bilingual labelling

Most consumer prepackaged foods in Canada must have all mandatory information in both English and French. Forgetting to translate even one element, such as allergens or net quantity, can result in non-compliance.

2. Incorrect common name

The common name of a food, for example “chocolate chip cookies,” must follow CFIA’s regulations. Creative names are fine, but they cannot replace the required common name.

3. Incomplete ingredient list

Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. Skipping minor ingredients or forgetting to declare sub-ingredients, such as flour containing wheat, is a frequent violation.

4. Allergen declarations missing or inconsistent

Canada requires clear declaration of priority allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites. These must appear in the ingredient list or in a Contains statement immediately after the list. If a Contains statement is used, it must include all allergens and gluten sources, even if they already appear in the ingredient list.

5. Wrong or misleading Nutrition Facts table

The Nutrition Facts table must follow CFIA’s standard format and sizing. Many businesses get the serving size wrong, or use an outdated template.

6. Net quantity not displayed correctly

The net quantity must appear on the front of the package, in metric units, using the proper format, such as “250 g.” Using imperial units only, or placing it on the back, is non-compliant.

7. False or misleading claims

Terms like “natural,” “organic,” “gluten-free,” or “low sugar” have strict conditions. Organic claims and the Canada Organic logo require certification under the Canada Organic Regime, which applies to products with at least 95 percent organic content. Gluten-free claims must align with Health Canada’s standard, generally 20 ppm or less with proper controls. Natural and nutrition claims such as “low sugar” have specific definitions in the Food and Drug Regulations.

8. Font size and legibility issues

CFIA requires minimum font sizes for certain elements, such as 1.6 mm for the common name on small packages. Using fonts that are too small, cramped, or low-contrast can cause compliance failures.

9. Missing durable life date

Foods with a shelf life of 90 days or less must include either a “best before” or “packaged on” date, depending on the product and where it is sold. Many small producers forget this step.

10. Not updating labels after recipe changes

Any time you change your recipe, supplier, or manufacturing process, your label must be updated. Even small changes, such as a new spice blend or supplier, can affect allergen declarations, ingredient order, or Nutrition Facts.

Final Thoughts

Food labelling in Canada is detailed and often confusing, but avoiding these 10 mistakes will save you time, money, and stress. A compliant label not only keeps regulators satisfied, it also builds consumer trust.

At Blue Aster Consulting, we help food businesses review and update their labels so they are both compliant and market-ready.

👉 Ready to get your labels checked?