Canada’s thresholds for a front-of-package nutrition symbol

The reference amount sets the threshold category

A prepackaged food with a reference amount of 30 g or 30 mL or less generally uses 10% of the applicable Daily Value. The ordinary higher reference-amount category uses 15%. Main dishes that meet the specified reference-amount rules use 30%. Source 1 Source 2

The amount tested can differ from the amount that selects the category

Health Canada’s guidance gives the example of a product with a 30 g reference amount and a 45 g serving. The small-reference category still sets a 10% threshold, while the larger 45 g serving supplies the nutrient quantity for the comparison. Source 1

Each of the three nutrients is assessed on its own

A symbol can indicate one nutrient or several. In the saturated fat calculation, Health Canada uses the Daily Value for saturated and trans fat as the denominator and only saturated fat content in the numerator. The Nutrition Facts table can therefore show a different fat percentage for products containing trans fat. Source 1

The transition and exemptions shape what appears on shelves

Health Canada set 1 January 2026 as the industry compliance date. The regulations exempt certain foods or packages and set conditions for others. Check those rules before deciding that a symbol is required for a particular product. Source 3 Source 2 Source 1

Sources

• Health Canada front-of-package nutrition symbol industry guide
• Health Canada summary of food labelling amendments
• Health Canada announcement and 2026 transition date