Health Canada Strengthens Food Allergen and Gluten Source Labeling

Canada Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq has announced revisions to food
allergen labeling regulations with the aim of reducing the number of food
recalls and adverse reactions. The revisions strengthen the requirements
by adding gluten sources to the list of allergens that must be disclosed on
product labels and specifying in plain terms what food makers must say about
their ingredients, including “hidden” allergens, gluten sources and sulphites.
According to Health Canada, the changes will take effect August 4, 2012,
to allow the industry time to implement them. The agency claims that the
revisions will “provide a clearer ingredient label so that consumers can better
avoid foods that contain the ingredient to which they are allergic or sensitive,”
and will ensure that allergens, gluten sources and sulphites “will be labelled
in a systematic and consistent manner.” See Health Canada Press Release,
February 14, 2011.