The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Competition Bureau have set guidelines for product labeling that clarify the origin of goods in Canada. Understanding these labels, such as "product of Canada" and "made in Canada," is crucial for consumers seeking transparency. These labels, however, can sometimes be misleading or confusing due to the intricate rules governing their use.
The CFIA specifies that the use of the Maple Leaf on food packaging does not necessarily indicate that a product is wholly or partially Canadian. This emblem, often associated with Canada, can be applied under certain conditions that may surprise consumers. For instance, the "product of Canada" label can be found on eggs from imported hens as long as these hens laid their eggs in Canada. Similarly, milk sourced from imported cows can bear the same label if the cows are milked on Canadian soil.
The CFIA and other regulatory bodies provide specific guidelines for using the "made in Canada" label. Companies must disclose whether their products are made in Canada from imported components, a blend of imported and domestic parts, or entirely from Canadian ingredients.
Dairy products featuring the blue cow logo assure consumers that these items are made with 100 percent Canadian milk and milk ingredients, as confirmed by the Dairy Farmers of Canada organization. This distinction is vital for consumers who prioritize local dairy products.
In terms of livestock, animals are classified as Canadian if they are born or hatched, raised, and slaughtered within Canada. This definition ensures that consumers purchasing Canadian meat products can trust their origins.
For non-food items, the Competition Bureau mandates that at least 98 percent of the manufacturing or production costs must be incurred in Canada to use the label. This guideline ensures a high standard of domestic production for Canadian-labeled non-food goods.
"product of Canada" – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website
The CFIA's website clearly states that a "product of Canada" label indicates that all, or nearly all, of the food, processing, and labor involved in creating the product are Canadian. This description helps consumers identify products with genuine Canadian origins.
Farmed fish and seafood must come from Canadian farms and undergo processing in Canadian facilities using Canadian ingredients to earn the "product of Canada" label. For wild fish and seafood, they must be caught by vessels in Canadian waters and processed domestically.
The term "local" has specific requirements under CFIA regulations. A product advertised as "local" must be produced within the province or territory where it is sold or across provincial borders within 50 kilometers of its origin. This definition supports local economies by ensuring consumers access genuinely local products.
For a product to claim it is "Canadian," all major ingredients, processing, and labor must be entirely Canadian. This rule aligns with how the CFIA treats the term "product of Canada," ensuring consistency in labeling practices.
Non-food products must meet particular criteria to carry the "Made in Canada" label. The last substantial transformation of these goods must occur in Canada, and at least 51 percent of production or manufacturing costs must be incurred domestically. These standards ensure that products labeled as such reflect significant Canadian value addition.
