Front-of-package symbols proposed for foods high in sodium, sugar, saturated fat
OTTAWA — The federal government wants to make it easier for consumers to choose healthy foods with front-of-package warnings on items that contain high levels of sodium, sugar or saturated fat — ingredients linked to chronic health problems like obesity, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Currently, consumers must check the nutrition facts table on the back of packages to see the sugar, sodium and saturated fat content.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is proposing to make it easier for people to identify foods high in those ingredients by requiring standardized, prominent warning symbols on the front of food packages.
The symbols will “provide a clear and easy-to-understand visual that will make choosing the healthier options the easier option for Canadians,” she told a news conference Friday.