These packaging guidelines on food packaging could assist anyone involved in creating food packaging to ensure that the packaging meets the guidelines.
When food companies think of packaging, they are primarily focused on creating attractive packaging and appealing to buyers to purchase the product. However, suppose you’re trying to appeal to the consumers.
In that case, it is essential to ensure that your packaging is compliant with the regulations and laws applicable to the market you want to reach.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the labeling requirements for both the USA and Canada and the most significant distinctions between the two countries’ regulations.
But, it is essential to use these guidelines on food box packaging for information only, as certain foods are more controlled over others. Moreover, rules can change.
This article will look at FDA requirements for food labeling because in the US market and the Health Canada food labeling regulations for the Canadian market.
Principal Display Panel
Principal display panels (PDP) are the piece of furniture that is the most noticeable to the buyer either on the shelf or during purchasing.
Standard Label Information for the Majority of Food Packaging in the USA
Specific information on labels needs to print on the panel previously mention. For example, the common name and the net amount must print on the PDP and the information boards.
Each food package has to contain:
- Product/Brand name
- Net quantity
- Information on the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
- Ingredients
- Nutrition facts
- Allergens
Information Panel must not contain any additional information or design elements that FDA doesn’t mandate.
Canadian regulation on food labels stipulates the product’s name and the net amount printed onto the PDP. But, the other information may print at any place on the packaging. these include:
- Product/Brand name
- Net quantity
- Information on the business’s primary or dealer
- Durable life date
- Ingredients
- Nutrition Facts Table
- Allergen labeling
The Main Differences Between the US in comparison to Canadian Food Labeling Regulations
Canadian regulations require bilingual information and the requirement of a “best before” date that is not needed in the USA.
Additionally, be aware that from January 1, 2022. the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard is now in force within the USA. There are no comparable standards in Canada.
The standard defines bioengineered foods as food containing gene material modified that may not be obtained via traditional breeding or in the natural world.
There exist two exceptions:
- Food did in restaurant or similar place
- Small food producers
The various options available for disclosure include:
- Text
- Symbol
- Digital or electronic link
Different Element of Food Packaging
Product/Brand Name:
Product or brand names should be displayed clearly according to the format of the food item (if there are multiple formats in the marketplace).
Net Quantity:
Net quantity is the total amount of food had in the packaging. It is to be specified in measure, weight, or count. Solid food is usually determined by weight, while liquid food is measured in the fluid pounds.
In Canada, the net amount is in metric units and French or English.
The USA does not have any requirements for rounding. However, they must not be more than two decimal points. The total amount has round up to two figures in Canada if there are less than 100 units or three if greater than 100 units.
Keep this in mind Concerning the Net Quantity:
- The food item is set for a count and frozen.
- Any packaging does not include the net amount
- The minimum size of the class is based on the total length of the PDP
Information on the Manufacturer, the Distributor, and Packer
The information on food packaging has to include details about the address and name of the producer or distributor. The requirements for both countries regarding the identity statement of the manufacturer are essentially identical.
However, Canada is more precise in its language specifications for products produced from other locations. While the FDA doesn’t require country of origin to be listed on the label, it is essential to note that USA Customs and Border Protection requires it. The only exception maybe when the goods undergo “substantial changes” in the United States.
Ingredients List
It is vital to understand that the identical Nutritional Facts panel could meet the requirements of both FDA Food Labeling Regulations and Health Canada food labeling regulations.
In the United States, the US ingredient list must be displayed in the PDP or Information panel, along with the distributor or manufacturer details. There are many distinctions between the two countries and a myriad of rules regarding ingredients; we won’t discuss the details in these guidelines for food packaging.
We want to ensure that you know the differences do exist.
Additionally, note that there have been modifications to food labels concerning the ingredients list and nutritional information in Canada, for which CFIA will confirm the compliance date on December 15, 2022.
Nutrition Facts
In the US, it is recommended to include nutrition information on your PDP or information panel at any time. Nutrition labels should be printed in black or a single color on a neutral or white contrast background and should be easy to read. There have been modifications to the FDA requirements for food labels with nutrition information, and the transition time expired on January 1, 2021.
Health Canada closely regulates the size and design displayed by the NFT.
Allergen Labeling
You have the option of choosing one of two methods to identify allergens. You can either declare the allergen in parenthesis or include a “Contains” declaration at the end of the ingredient list. The same is true for FDA requirements for food labeling and Health Canada regulations.
Durable Life Date
Canadian food labels demand “best before” or expiry date for items longer than 90 days. FDA food labeling regulations don’t require permanent life labeling for the products, except infant formula. However, it is essential to note that the FDA favors efforts to include the “best when used by” phrase to help cut down on food waste.
We hope these guidelines on food packaging will allow you to know what you need to pay close attention to when designing foodstuff packaging to sell your product. Certain products are exempt from these regulations, so make sure you know all pertinent information about your product before creating and printing packaging.