Name: Are the new labels on high fat, sugar and sodium foods visible enough?
Uploaded: 2026-01-02T01:22:38.977Z
Duration: 1 min 59 s
Description: New nutrition symbols are now mandatory for many packaged goods in Canada. They indicate if the product is high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium. But some experts worry they’re not obvious enough to make a difference.

New nutrition symbols are now mandatory for many packaged goods in Canada. They indicate if the product is high in saturated fat, sugars or sodium. But some experts worry they’re not obvious enough to make a difference.

Toronto

Canada has implemented mandatory front-of-package warning labels on pre-packaged foods that are high in sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. The requirement, announced by Health Canada over three years ago, aims to help consumers make healthier choices and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

While experts support the policy, some argue that the labels should be more visible, as many consumers do not notice or understand them. There are also concerns about potential stigma, especially since these foods are often chosen for affordability, but studies indicate the labels are effective over time.

Are the new labels on high fat, sugar and sodium foods visible enough?

We've all been there, you're reaching for the junk food, you're thinking maybe you shouldn't have it and now there's a reminder right on the front of the package. Definitely seen it, but it hasn't stopped me from buying it. High in sugar, high in sodium, high in saturated fat. Come January 1st, these labels will be mandatory. I think it's a good label. Sensible, yeah, sensible. Health Canada announced the requirement three and a half years ago. This food policy expert says it's good policy and the industry has had time to get ready. But he thinks the labels should be more visible. I've heard many times that people didn't even notice the logo until they got home and two, many of them didn't know what it meant. Generally, the new labels have to be on pre-packaged foods that contain more than 15 percent of the suggested daily value for sugar, fat and sodium. But if you want to know exactly how much of those things is in the product, you still have to flip to the back for the detailed nutrition label. We'd like it more highlighted, I would say. The idea is to help Canadians eat healthier at a glance and hopefully avoid conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. But there may be another benefit. Some companies are already changing their actual products to avoid getting labeled. I met a company last week, a snacking company. And from now on, their policy is that if they're looking at launching a new product and that product has to have a front-of-package label, they're not launching it. This dietician cautions the labels could cause stigma. The foods that these labels are going to be on are ones that are often chosen due to their lower price or their high accessibility. And some people have less control and power over that. But she says studies show these kinds of labels do work over time. Kayla Hounsell, CBC News, Halifax.

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