Substance Law provides food compliance services to food manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and food brands operating across Canada. We assist businesses in navigating Canadian food laws, regulatory requirements, licensing obligations, labelling rules, food safety standards, and compliance risks.
The Canadian food industry is highly regulated. Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, packaging, marketing, or selling food products must comply with a complex framework of federal and provincial laws administered by regulators including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada.
We provide practical, business-focused regulatory guidance to help food businesses launch, operate, and scale compliantly in Canada.
Canadian Food Regulatory Framework
Food products sold in Canada are subject to multiple regulatory frameworks.
Key legislation includes:
- the Food and Drugs Act
- the Food and Drug Regulations
- the Safe Food for Canadians Act
- the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations
- provincial food and public health legislation
Food businesses must ensure ongoing compliance with product, labelling, licensing, and food safety requirements.
Food Label Compliance Services
Food labels in Canada are subject to detailed legal and regulatory requirements.
We assist with:
- ingredient list compliance
- allergen declarations
- Nutrition Facts Tables (NFTs)
- bilingual labelling requirements
- front-of-package labelling
- nutrition and health claims
- “natural,” “organic,” and marketing claims
Improper food labels may result in enforcement action, product recalls, or import delays.
Food Product Classification and Regulatory Analysis
Some food products may fall into overlapping regulatory categories.
We provide guidance regarding:
- food vs natural health product classification
- supplemented foods
- functional foods
- novel foods
- fortified products
- beverages and wellness products
Product classification can significantly impact regulatory obligations and market access.
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) Compliance
Many food businesses operating in Canada require compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.
We assist with:
- SFCR licensing requirements
- preventive control plans (PCPs)
- traceability obligations
- importer compliance
- food safety documentation
- inspection preparedness
SFCR obligations apply to many businesses involved in importing, manufacturing, processing, and interprovincial trade.
Food Import and Export Compliance
Importers and exporters must comply with Canadian food import requirements and international trade obligations.
We assist businesses with:
- imported food compliance reviews
- foreign supplier issues
- import licensing
- border and inspection concerns
- export compliance guidance
Pre-market regulatory review can help reduce import disruptions and enforcement risks.
Food Safety and Recall Compliance
Food businesses must maintain systems to address food safety risks and potential recalls.
We advise on:
- recall procedures and planning
- corrective action strategies
- regulatory reporting obligations
- contamination and adulteration issues
- inspection response management
Regulatory response and risk management are critical in food safety matters.
Food Advertising and Marketing Compliance
Food advertising and promotional activities are regulated in Canada.
We assist with:
- nutrition and health claim reviews
- influencer and digital marketing compliance
- comparative advertising
- child-directed advertising issues
- product representation reviews
Marketing claims must be accurate, substantiated, and compliant with applicable laws.
Food Manufacturing and Co-Packing Agreements
Food businesses often rely on manufacturers, processors, and co-packers.
We assist with agreements relating to:
- co-manufacturing and co-packing
- supply and distribution
- private label arrangements
- quality and compliance obligations
- recall allocation and indemnities
Commercial agreements should clearly address regulatory responsibilities and risk allocation.
Compliance Audits and Regulatory Risk Assessments
We conduct compliance reviews and regulatory assessments for food businesses.
This may include:
- label audits
- food safety compliance reviews
- marketing compliance analysis
- importer and licensing assessments
- operational regulatory reviews
Proactive compliance assessments may help identify and address regulatory gaps before enforcement issues arise.
Regulatory Investigations and Enforcement Matters
We assist businesses responding to food regulatory investigations and enforcement actions.
This may include:
- CFIA inspection issues
- warning letters and compliance actions
- product detention or seizure
- recall-related matters
- corrective action planning
Early legal guidance can assist businesses in managing regulatory risk and communications.
Industries We Assist
We advise businesses across a broad range of food categories, including:
- packaged foods
- beverages and wellness drinks
- dietary and functional foods
- plant-based products
- imported food products
- food technology companies
- restaurants and food service operators
We assist both startups and established food businesses operating in regulated environments.
Why Work With Substance Law
- experience with Canadian food regulatory frameworks
- practical, business-focused compliance advice
- support for product launches and ongoing operations
- assistance with both regulatory and commercial matters
- experience across food, beverage, wellness, and consumer product industries
We assist businesses in navigating complex food compliance obligations across Canada.
Work With a Food Compliance Lawyer in Canada
If your business manufactures, imports, markets, or sells food products in Canada, compliance with Canadian food laws is essential.
Substance Law provides food compliance services relating to food safety, labelling, licensing, marketing, and regulatory matters across Canada.
Contact Substance Law to discuss your food compliance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laws regulate food products in Canada?
Food products in Canada are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act, Safe Food for Canadians Act, and related regulations.
What is SFCR compliance?
SFCR compliance refers to meeting the requirements of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, including licensing, preventive controls, and traceability obligations.
Do imported foods need to comply with Canadian food laws?
Yes. Imported foods must comply with Canadian food safety, labelling, and regulatory requirements before being sold in Canada.
Can lawyers review food labels for compliance?
Yes. Lawyers may review food labels for compliance with Canadian ingredient, allergen, NFT, bilingual, and marketing claim requirements.
What are supplemented foods in Canada?
Supplemented foods are foods containing added ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, caffeine, or other supplemental substances regulated under specific Canadian rules.
Can businesses be fined for non-compliant food products?
Yes. Regulatory authorities may impose enforcement measures including recalls, seizures, penalties, or compliance actions.
What is a preventive control plan under SFCR?
A preventive control plan is a written food safety and compliance system required for many regulated food businesses under SFCR.
Do food businesses need compliance audits?
Compliance audits may help businesses identify regulatory risks and address compliance gaps before enforcement issues arise.
