Canadian shoppers will soon notice new black-and-white warning labels on the front of many packaged foods. Starting January 1, 2026, Health Canada will require these symbols on products that contain high levels of saturated fat, sugar, or sodium — part of a national effort to encourage healthier eating and make nutrition information easier to spot.
What the New Labels Look Like
The symbol is simple and highly visible:
- Black-and-white design
- A magnifying glass icon
- The words “Health Canada / Santé Canada” at the bottom
- A clear statement that the product is “High in Saturated Fat / Sugars / Sodium”
This label is separate from the standard Nutrition Facts table on the back of packages.
Which Foods Will Receive the Warning Label?
The threshold varies by food category and typical serving size:
- General prepackaged foods:
Label required if the item contains 15% or more of the Daily Value (DV) for saturated fat, sugars, or sodium per serving. - Foods with small serving sizes (30 g/ml or less):
Label required at 10% or more DV. - Large main dishes (200 g or more):
Label required at 30% or more DV.
Foods Exempt From the New Labels
Some foods will not require the warning symbol, even if their nutrient levels exceed the thresholds:
For nutritional or practical reasons
- Plain fruits and vegetables
- Plain milk, yogurt, and cheese (important calcium sources)
- Raw, single-ingredient ground meats and poultry
- Butter, sugar, salt, honey, maple syrup, vegetable oils
- Seasoning salts and similar culinary ingredients
For technical reasons
- Small packaged portions served alongside restaurant meals (e.g., crackers with soup)
- Milk and cream in refillable glass bottles
- Very small packages
- Raw whole cuts of meat, poultry, and fish (which don’t carry Nutrition Facts tables)
Why Is Health Canada Doing This?
Health Canada says these new labels will help Canadians make quick, informed decisions and reduce consumption of foods linked to serious health issues.
Health risks associated with high-fat, high-sugar, high-sodium foods:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Certain cancers
The labels are designed to support public health, guide grocery shoppers at a glance, and help health professionals in promoting balanced eating.