News Release – Brampton, Ontario 

Unhealthy eating is the leading risk factor for obesity and chronic diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes. All things considered, Canadians must have the information they need to make informed decisions about their food. That’s why on Thursday, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced new nutrition labelling regulations for packaged foods to allow for just that.

Health Canada is introducing new nutrition labelling regulations for packaged foods requiring a symbol on the front of packages indicating that a food is high in saturated fat, sugars and/or sodium. The new front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol includes a magnifying glass, intended to capture people’s attention and act as a quick and easy visual cue to identify foods high in these three nutrients. The FOP nutrition symbol will complement the Nutrition Facts table, displayed on the back of food packages.

Clear, easy-to-understand nutrition labelling means making healthy eating more accessible while empowering Canadians with the information to make informed food decisions. 

MP Sonia Sidhu has been a member of the Standing Committee on Health since her election in 2015, working closely to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles. In June 2021, MP Sidhu’s Private Members’ Bill C-237, An Act to establish a National Framework for Diabetes passed unanimously in the Parliament and is now law in Canada. She also led consultations on healthy eating and diabetes which led to the new 2019 Food Guide that provides the foundation for healthy eating.

Most recently, during the study on Children's Health, MP Sidhu raised a question about food in schools. Dr. Alfred Aziz, Director General at Health Canada answered that the health portfolio would work closely with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister of Economic and Social Development Canada to work towards a national school nutritious meal program. 

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CONTACT:

The Office of Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Brampton South

P: (905) 846-0076   |  E: [email protected]