Canadian government seeks guidance on labelling plant-based egg alternatives
The aim is to clarify how to distinguish plant-based alternatives from egg products
12 August 2024
2 minute read
By: With an increase in the availability of new plant-based products on the Canadian market as well as consumer demand for these foods, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recognised the need for clear guidance on how to label these foods. The CFIA has developed proposed guidance on labelling and representation of plant-based alternatives to egg products to distinguish them from egg products.
Specifically, the CFIA is seeking feedback on proposed guidance for how to label and represent plant-based alternatives to egg products. This guidance will help industry label and advertise these foods in a manner that is not false or misleading and promote these foods on a level playing field.
CFIA wants to hear from consumers, the general public, individuals and organisations from Canada's food industry, and other interested stakeholders.
Key questions for discussion include:
- Does the proposed guidance adequately explain how to differentiate plant-based alternatives to egg products so they are not mistaken for egg product counterparts?
- Could this guidance be used for other types of plant-based alternatives?
- For consumers, when shopping for plant-based alternatives, are the current labels used on plant-based alternatives to egg products clear?
When providing feedback, respondents were informed that CFIA is not proposing any changes to the regulations. Under Canadian legislation, food labels and advertisements can use words or images to show that a product resembles or is comparable to an egg product as long as the overall impression created is not false or misleading. The purpose of the proposed guidance is to clarify how to distinguish plant-based alternatives from egg products and help industry comply with existing regulations.
