Ottawa-The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is offering help for grocery shoppers who want to buy Canadian made products or ones that have high domestic content.

While there is no official label for Product of Canada, the term means the processing and labour used to make it are Canadian and a significant amount of the ingredients are Canadian as well, CFIA said. A maple leaf can be included but is not required.

Made in Canada labels mean the last substantial transformation of the product occurred in this country. “There is no official logo for Made in Canada on food products so look for qualifying statements like Made in Canada from domestic and imported ingredients, Made in Canada from 100 per cent Canadian (ingredient name) and imported ingredients or Made in Canada from imported ingredients. The maple leaf can be included but is not required.”

Both labels indicate that the product meets Canadian standards for food safety, quality, or organic content.

Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP), which represents many food companies, is concerned that while well intentioned, the Buy Canadian push “may unintentionally mislead consumers and disrupt Canada’s integrated supply chains.

“Many websites and social media influencers promote Buy Canadian lists, recommending some brands over others based on their perceived domestic production. While well-intentioned, these lists often oversimplify complex supply chains and overlook the reality that many internationally owned brands manufacture in Canada, employing thousands of workers and supporting local economies. Conversely, some brands marketed as Canadian source a significant portion of their materials or production from abroad.”

FHCP supports efforts to provide consumers with accurate, fact-based information about where products are made and how they contribute to Canada’s economy. However, product recommendation websites should ensure accuracy about Canadian-made claims and recognize supply chain realities that mean many essential goods—including food, personal care items, and household products—depend on integrated North American supply chains, making rigid Buy Canadian recommendations impractical.

Rather than relying on oversimplified Buy Canadian lists, FHCP wants consumers and governments to take a more strategic approach. That would include recognizing that many multinational companies invest in local production, providing jobs and contributing to Canada’s economy. As well, there should be increased support for domestic manufacturing, sustainable supply chains and open trade to create more opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.

Also, better consumer education should help shoppers make informed choices without reinforcing misleading narratives.

CFIA said it has issued a Notice to Industry on the importance of accurate Product of Canada and Made in Canada labelling. “When using these claims, it is important to follow the guidance for their use and ensure the label is accurate and not misleading. Accurate Made in Canada and Product of Canada labelling fosters a fair marketplace, builds trust, and strengthens consumer confidence in Canadian businesses.”

Other statements or claims that describe the Canadian value added may be used on food labels. The ingredients may have been imported, unless the label says they are Canadian.”

 

This news item prepared for National Newswatch