The Canadian Ministry of Health has launched a series of online public consultations on proposed changes that aim to improve the way nutrition information is presented on labels.
The proposed changes encapsulate the format of the nutrition facts table, the list of ingredients, the list of nutrients that must appear in the table and the daily values.
Go deeper with GlobalData
They also include changing the way ingredients are listed, including grouping sugars together to give parents and consumers a better picture of the quantity of sugar added to food. Another key proposal is to provide guidelines to industry to make serving sizes displayed in the nutrition facts table consistent across similar products.
Launched by Minister of Health Rona Ambrose, the consultations will run from 14 July to 11 September. They are part of a broader commitment to consult with Canadians on methods of improving the presentation of nutrition information on food labels.
Ambrose said that changes will make it easier to read and understand labels and help Canadians make healthy food choices for themselves and their families.
"Our government wants parents and consumers to have the information they need to better understand and use food labels to make healthier food choices. Today, we are launching a consultation to hear directly from parents and consumers on the proposed changes to food labels," Ambrose added.
Image: Rona Ambrose discusses the proposed changes with a parent and participant of the consultations on food and nutrition labelling. Photo: courtesy of the Government of Canada.
