Unpacking the Food System - Canada’s Food System

Unpacking Canada’s Food System: Understanding Product Labels

We know you have important questions about Canada’s Food System right now and we hear you! You might be wondering: How can I make decisions that reflect positively on my food system? Or if I don’t see a ‘Product of Canada’ label, am I supporting Canada’s Food System at all?  

These are great questions, because Canada’s Food System is deep, complex, and connected in ways we don’t always see. Even food labels alone don’t tell the whole story, so there’s lots to unpack when it comes to best supporting our food system. We’re here to help you peel back the layers so that when you walk down the grocery store aisles, you feel more confident in the items you put in your cart.  

Making Confident Decisions in the Aisle 

A great way to start feeling more confident in the store is to familiarize yourself with product labels and symbols and what they mean. The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity has an article that goes more in depth with label meanings, but we’ll take you through the basics.  

Made in Canada 

Let’s say you pick up an item with a “Made in Canada” label on it. Does this mean that every single ingredient was sourced in Canada? Not necessarily. It tells you that while the product was manufactured or processed in Canada, it still includes imported ingredients (which are an equally important part of Canada’s Food System)! To carry this label:  

  • The last major change to the product must be done in Canada. 
  • Most of the work must have been done in Canada to create the final product. 

Product of Canada 

Now, what if you pick up an item with a “Product of Canada” label? Food with this label just has a little more “Canada” in it! To carry this label: 

  • All or the majority of the food’s ingredients must be from Canada. 
  • The food must be processed or transformed in Canada. 

Product Certifications 

Symbols and certifications are also used to allow products to trace back to or highlight certain production practices and help you feel confident in your food decisions. If you want to see a real-life example of this kind of quality assurance symbol, check out how Get Cracking explains the EQA® symbol on egg cartons.  

Beyond the Labels 

Although labels make it easier to understand the food you’re buying, they’re not the whole story. Behind every product is a vast community of people dedicated to making sure everything you see in the store is brought to you fresh, safe, and delicious.  

Even the products without these labels may still impact Canadian jobs and businesses. Their journey from farm or ocean to your cart often involves Canadian packagers, distributors, transporters, or retailers. All vital roles in our food system! 

Stay Connected 

Canada’s Food System is complex, and we want to make sure you’re connected with trusted information that helps you understand the food you eat. From decoding labels to the people and processes behind every product, we’re here to guide important conversations and help answer your questions.  

Join Canadians across the country who are learning, sharing, and supporting a stronger, more resilient food system. Sign Canada’s Food System Pledge today and show your support for the people and work behind every bite. 

Learn More 

Want to know more? Explore these resources: