CFIA Updates Common Names for Milk Ingredients on Food Labels

Businesses have until January 1, 2030, to transition to the updated common names for milk ingredients used in the list of ingredients on Canadian food labels.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated its Common Names for Ingredients and Components document, changing how certain milk ingredients can be described in the list of ingredients on Canadian food labels.

The changes reflect what the CFIA heard during its consultation on the common names used for milk ingredients and modified milk ingredients, based on input from industry, consumers, and other stakeholders.

The Common Names for Ingredients and Components document is incorporated by reference into the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).

Under these requirements, ingredients and components must appear in the list of ingredients under their English and French common names.

While individual common names are usually used, in some cases, a class common name may be used instead, such as “milk ingredients” and “modified milk ingredients.”

A transition period is in effect until 2030, during which regulated parties may continue using the current labelling requirements.

As of January 1, 2030, compliance with the new labelling requirements is mandatory.

What’s changing

The update includes the following three changes to how these dairy terms can appear in the list of ingredients:

1. Eligibility rules revised

The CFIA updated the list of ingredients that are allowed to use the common name “milk ingredients” or “modified milk ingredients” in the list of ingredients on food labels.

2. French common name updated for milk ingredients

The French common name “substances laitières” is changing to “ingrédients du lait.”

3. Terminology updated for modified milk ingredients

The common name “modified milk ingredients” is changing to “milk-derived ingredients,” and the French term “substances laitières modifiées” is changing to “ingrédients dérivés du lait.”

These changes apply to products containing ingredients or components listed in the following sections of the Common Names for Ingredients and Components document:

• Table 1: Item 9
• Table 2: Items 7, 7.1, and 7.2

At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses stay compliant with requirements and keep their goods moving.

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how these changes to labelling requirements may affect your business.