Canada Introduces Mandatory Front-of-Package Nutrition Warning Symbols

20 January 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the Canadian government now requires food companies to display nutrition warning symbols on the front of packaged food products that are high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium (HFSS).

This new regulation, developed by Health Canada, aims to help consumers make informed choices and reduce the health risks linked with regular consumption of HFSS foods, including heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Officials say the measure aligns Canada with other countries that have adopted similar front-of-package labeling systems and is part of a broader strategy to improve nutrition transparency and public awareness.

To support this initiative, SAFE’s Preventia project has launched BiteWatch, a user-friendly food scanner app that quickly shows if a product is high in salt, sugar, or fat.

👉 Download BiteWatch here: Download BiteWatch, our new food literacy app | SAFE – Safe Food Advocacy Europe