Packaging and Labelling

Chapter 7 of Your Guide to Food Processing in Ontario offers packaging information specifically for the food industry. Packaging and labelling topics include:

• regulatory considerations
• sourcing materials
• package design
• labelling and nutritional labelling
• environmental concerns.

Packaging

Packaging protects your product from physical damage and chemical or microbiological contamination. It provides a medium for your advertising message, and is one of the greatest influences on a consumer's decision to buy. It is an important part of your new business.

The Packaging Association of Canada unites the design, supply and user sectors of the packaging industry, including:

• food and grocery products - both national and private labels
• beverages, including soft drinks, juices, beer, liquor, milk, tea and coffee
• pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics and personal care items.

Labelling

Labelling is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Requirements vary. In general, they include:

• product identity
• weight or volume
• manufacturer information
• best-before date if shelf-life is 90 days or less
• storage instructions if applicable
• nutritional information
• bilingual labels
• UPC Codes.

A Nutrition Labelling Toolkit is available from CFIA.