Starting January 1, 2026, new Health Canada regulations will require adding a nutritional symbol on the front of the packaging for certain food products.

While this regulatory requirement may seem like a burden for many companies, it can become a real strategic opportunity for those well-prepared.

What You Need to Know About the New Regulation


Health Canada will require the addition of a clear symbol on the front of the packaging to indicate foods that are high in:
  • sodium
  • sugars
  • saturated fats

This symbol is intended to educate consumers to make better everyday food choices. Although companies have until January 1, 2026, to comply, waiting could come at a high cost.

Why Acting Now Gives You an Advantage


While many businesses see this requirement as a regulatory headache, IMS sees it as a unique opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of local brands. Why wait? Act now and turn this constraint into a strategic lever!

Optimize Your Production Timelines


By planning your adjustments today, you benefit from a more flexible production schedule with your expert in printing solutions.

This helps you avoid last-minute chaos and the extended delays it could cause.

Ensure Compliance Without Stress


Our team of experts in printing solutions and regulations supports you in confidently adapting your shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels.

Protect Your Revenue


Anticipating the new regulation protects you from financial losses caused by production halts or the removal of your products from store shelves.

Strengthen Your Brand Image


Acting early builds consumer trust in your brand by avoiding delivery delays.

Additionally, you show your clients and partners that you take standards and regulations seriously.

Bonus


Launching your printing projects now benefits you from a 10% discount on manufacturing your new printing plates.

What IMS Does for You: A 360° Support Approach


Our team offers a complete and personalized solution based on a structured approach to streamline your operations.
IMS supports you through the key steps to plan for adding the nutritional symbol to the front of your packaging.

Step 1 – Design


You must design a new layout with a nutritional symbol for your shrink sleeves or pressure-sensitive labels.

Step 2 – Dimensions


It’s important to check whether new label dimensions are needed to accommodate the nutritional symbol, which must appear on the front of your packaging.

Step 3 – Files


Once the new design and dimensions are completed, update your print files accordingly.

Step 4 – Plates


The earlier you begin plate manufacturing, the less likely you are to face the rush and stress of last-minute preparations.

Step 5 – Compliance


Get support from our experts to ensure compliance with your new visuals.

Are Your Products Exempt?


Some food products may be exempt from this new regulation. Health Canada has identified three main exemption categories:
  • Foods not requiring a Nutrition Facts table
  • Foods exempt due to their small packaging format
  • Foods with sodium, sugar, or saturated fat content below the threshold requiring the nutritional symbol

Peace of Mind, Efficiency, Competitiveness


See this new regulation as a springboard to revamp your packaging, update your brand image, and show your customers that you are a trusted leader.

Our team’s in-depth regulatory knowledge and diverse industry experience enable us to offer you tailored solutions.
The IMS team works with you, not just for you.

Send us your updated labeling files now and get 10% off your printing plates!

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