Nutrition Facts Education Campaign

News Release: The Government of Canada and Food and Consumer Products of Canada Launch Major Nutrition Labeling Initiative

The Government of Canada and Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) are collaborating on the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign, an educational campaign that gives Canadians the information they need to make informed food choices to maintain and improve their health.  

The Nutrition Facts Education Campaign is a multi-media campaign that helps consumers understand and use the information on the Nutrition Facts table, and in particular, the % Daily Value.  The development of % Daily Value messages, delivered through a variety of channels, will give Canadians the information they need to make informed food choices for themselves and their families.

Using the % Daily Value is a quick way for consumers to know if a packaged food contains a little or a lot of a nutrient.  This information can help when choosing and comparing food products.  

The Government of Canada has been actively engaged in increasing nutrition labelling awareness since the voluntary system was adopted in 1988.  The department increased nutrition labelling education efforts following the introduction of mandatory regulations, and has been successful in raising Canadians' awareness of the Nutrition Facts table. 

Now that widespread awareness of the Nutrition Facts table has been achieved, research shows the need for in-depth education to increase consumers' use and understanding of the Nutrition Facts table.  The Nutrition Facts Education Campaign provides messages on % Daily Value and explains how Canadians can use this information to make healthier food choices. 

Look for % Daily Value messages starting in the Fall of 2010, including on-package messages, in magazines and online. Visit the new educational website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/dailyvalue for practical information and tips on how to use % Daily Value to make healthier food choices.  In January 2011, look for % Daily Value messages on television and in various social media.

For more information on the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign, please visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/dailyvalue.

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