Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada > Policy & Regulation > Policy & Regulations for Food & Consumer Products

Shaping tomorrow's policies for food and consumer products

Recognized for its regulatory expertise, our team leads in policy and regulatory dialogue for the food and consumer products sector. We advocate for modern, effective regulations that enhance consumer access and promote growth, innovation, and competitiveness without compromising safety or quality.

Our efforts focus on streamlining diverse government initiatives that impact how our members make, label, and market their products and championing evidence-based, agile policies that prioritize consumers' health. By reducing regulatory burdens, we empower our members to make informed business decisions while ensuring products remain safe, high-quality, and enjoyable. Through thoughtful regulatory and policy advocacy we can ensure a balanced approach that fosters innovation while protecting consumer interests.

Influencing regulations for safe, accessible products

Our policy team is dedicated to reducing regulatory burden, ensuring consumers enjoy safe and high-quality products, businesses can operate competitively, and Canada is an attractive place to invest. We also champion nutrition policies that safeguard Canadians' health without compromising on taste.

Recently, we led crucial discussions between government and industry to tackle infant formula shortage. By bringing key stakeholders together with the Minister of Health, we successfully secured a commitment to prioritize regulatory modernization. This milestone marks a decade-long effort to update the Food and Drug Regulations, ensuring that all Canadians have equitable access to safe, high-quality products when they need them.

Bridging business and consumer needs for clearer, informative labels

Following the publication of the new Supplemented foods regulations, we played a crucial role in shaping Health Canada's awareness campaign to inform consumers about the new labelling elements. Leveraging our expertise, we ensured clear, informative, and transparent messaging, helping consumers make informed choices. Additionally, we aim to contribute to future campaigns supporting the new front-of-pack labelling regulations.

Amidst significant supply chain challenges, cost pressures, and limited package design and printing capacity in Canada, we continue to advocate for enforcement discretion on compliance dates for these regulations. Our efforts aim to balance consumer information needs with industry realities, ensuring smooth transitions to new labelling standards.

Enhancing trust and transparency through digital labels

Exploring advanced digital labelling is crucial for the industry to future-proof packaging against increasing demands for information on food, health, and consumer products. Canada currently lags behind other jurisdictions in adopting this technology. Widespread digital labelling adoption can revolutionize how product information is delivered, allowing manufacturers to regain control over package design while keeping consumers informed.

Digital labelling offers instant, cost-effective updates and comprehensive details beyond physical packaging limits. Despite the initial investment, the long-term advantages include fewer on-pack labelling requirements and associated changes, making it a valuable alternative.

Learn more about the SmartLabel transparency initiative.

Shaping policies for a sustainable, plant-based food future

A division of FHCP, Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC) advocates for a modern regulatory environment to help companies market plant-based products effectively. With rising consumer demand for eco-friendly, nutritious, and delicious plant-based foods—evidenced by an 8% growth in sales of meat and dairy alternatives in Canada in 2021—PBFC ensures industry competitiveness and innovation.

Recognized by the Canadian government with a $150 million investment, the plant-based food industry is positioned for growth. PBFC has led consultations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to update regulations for simulated meat and poultry products, providing marketing flexibility. PBFC also works to standardize language for plant-based foods, reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging sector innovation.

Learn more about Plant-Based Foods of Canada.

Policy & Regulations for Food & Consumer Products

Shaping tomorrow's policies for food and consumer products

Influencing regulations for safe, accessible products

Bridging business and consumer needs for clearer, informative labels

Enhancing trust and transparency through digital labels

Shaping policies for a sustainable, plant-based food future

About FHCP

Follow Us