Supplemented Food Facts Labels

All supplemented foods are required to include a Supplemented Food Facts table (SFFt), which is similar to the standard nutrition facts table. The SFFt features a distinct heading, “Supplemented Food Facts,” follows the same guidelines for listing core nutrients, and displays the total amount of each supplemental ingredient under the section titled “Supplemented with.”

The total amount of each supplemental ingredient listed under the ‘Supplemented with’ heading includes what is naturally present, what has been added as a supplement, and what comes from other sources like flavorings or food additives. For instance, calcium, a required core nutrient, might naturally be in the food and would normally be listed above the ‘Supplemented with’ line. However, if calcium is added as a supplement, it will only be listed under ‘Supplemented with.’ The total shown reflects all sources of calcium in the food.

Some supplemental ingredients are listed with their amount (in grams or milligrams) but don’t have an established daily value because they aren’t essential daily nutrients.

Some supplemented foods have ingredients that could pose health risks if consumed in excess or by vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women or children. These products may display an identifier on the front label, indicating a caution box with important usage warnings on the back or side. Look for the exclamation mark on the front, then check the caution box for guidelines to determine if the food suits you.

Certain food categories are permitted to be supplemented, including bars, fruit drinks, and carbonated water-based beverages. However, foods that are not eligible for supplementation include infant foods, products aimed at children under four years of age, foods for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, alcoholic beverages, special dietary foods, prepackaged unprocessed or minimally processed foods, and most fortified foods like milk and breakfast cereals. These items are excluded either because different regulations govern them or because there is a higher risk to vulnerable populations, such as young children. For more information on permitted supplemented food categories and the process for adding or modifying categories, please refer to the relevant guidance documents.

A: Health Canada developed the regulations for supplemented foods, while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for enforcing them. Both Health Canada and the CFIA can address questions regarding these regulations. You can submit inquiries about the new requirements and their purpose to Health Canada.