EON

New Standards Of Labeling Unveiled By Federal Government

Ottawa- People with allergies and those who wish to closely monitor their food intake will have a much easier time with it under new labeling restrictions being implemented by the Canadian Federal Government.

Health Minister Tony Clement announced the new food labeling requirements after a number of different food allergy groups lobbied for their implementation.

“We know that allergy groups have been patiently requesting these changes, and the food industry is being very supportive as well,” stated Minister Clement.

The regulations in place up to now required producers to list the ingredients on the label plainly for consumers.

But certain ingredients have been excluded; under the new labeling requirements all ingredients are required to be listed.

For example under the old rules a list could have “spice” listed, under the new regulations it would have to be specifically stated what the spice contained is.

President of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Charles Frankish, hailed the changes, saying it will help the public health and lower the number of emergency room visits and crisis issues from people consuming foods they are allergic too.

The new guidelines outlined by the federal government will take affect later this year.