Overview
Front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbols are required on most prepackaged foods in Canada that are high in Sodium, Saturated Fat, or Total Sugars. The requirements took effect January 1, 2026.
Formula Management can generate the required Canada FOP nutrition symbol based on your formula's nutrition information, serving size, and the applicable reference amount.
Some foods are exempt from Canada's FOP nutrition labelling requirements. For information about exemptions and the FOP requirements, see Front-of-package nutrition labelling.
In general, a food requires an FOP symbol when the % Daily Value (%DV) for Sodium, Saturated Fat, or Total Sugars meets or exceeds the applicable threshold based on the larger of the serving size or reference amount:
- 10% DV or more when the serving size or reference amount is 30 g or 30 mL or less
- 15% DV or more when the serving size or reference amount is more than 30 g or 30 mL
- 30% DV or more for a main dish when the serving size or reference amount is more than 200 g or 200 mL
For more information about Canada's reference amounts, see Nutrition labelling – Table of reference amounts for food.
Generate a Canada FOP Label
Step 1: Open the Formula.
Step 2: Go to Reports > Consumer Nutrition > click View for Canada Front of Pack.
Step 3: Enter the FOP options:
Select the Language for the FOP symbol.
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Select the Label Format: Horizontal or Vertical.
Formula Management generates the FOP symbol at the largest allowable size for the selected format. You can decrease the size as needed to meet the requirements for your package.
Note: Check the Canadian FOP regulations to determine the required symbol size for your package.
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Enter the Reference Amount for the food. Use the Table of reference amounts for food to determine the applicable reference amount.
Important: Formula Management compares the Reference Amount with the formula's Serving Size and uses whichever is larger to determine whether an FOP symbol is required.
If the formula is for a Main Dish, select the Main Dish option.
Step 4: Click Generate FOP.
Formula Management determines which FOP symbols are required based on the applicable thresholds and displays the results.
The generated FOP includes the %DV for Total Sugars, Sodium, and Saturated Fat based on both the serving size and the reference amount. This information helps explain differences between the %DV used to determine whether an FOP symbol is required and the %DV displayed on the Nutrition Facts label.
The required FOP symbol is displayed using the language and format you selected.
Step 6: Print or download the FOP label using the available download option.
How Formula Management Determines Whether an FOP Symbol Is Required
Formula Management uses the larger of the Serving Size or Reference Amount when determining whether the formula meets the FOP threshold.
For example, a formula may have a serving size that is below the FOP threshold, but its reference amount may be larger. In that case, Formula Management uses the reference amount when determining whether an FOP symbol is required.
Example: Garlic Bread
A serving of garlic bread may be 45 g, with 13% DV Sodium based on that serving size.
However, the Canadian reference amount for garlic bread is 85 g. If the Sodium %DV calculated for the 85 g reference amount is 20%, Formula Management uses the 85 g reference amount because it is larger than the 45 g serving size.
Because the reference amount is greater than 30 g and the Sodium %DV is at least 15%, a Sodium FOP symbol is required.
This can result in an FOP symbol being required even when the Sodium %DV shown on the Nutrition Facts label for the serving size does not meet the same threshold.
Important
Formula Management provides tools to help you generate Canada FOP nutrition symbols based on the information entered into the formula. You are responsible for confirming that your product, serving size, reference amount, and labeling meet all applicable Canadian regulatory requirements.