According to the Competition Bureau of Canada, the regulations for these two labels are as follows:
“Product of Canada”: At least 98% of the materials and production processes must come from Canada.
“Made in Canada”: Only 51% of the components need to originate from Canada, but it must include a note about imported ingredients.
For food products, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) specifies:
“Product of Canada”: Almost all ingredients, production processes, and labor come from Canada.
“Made in Canada”: The final processing happens in Canada, even though it may contain imported ingredients.
How Should Consumers Check Labels?
Experts recommend that consumers carefully read packaging to identify the origin of the food. “If it says ‘Product of Canada,’ it is almost certainly a domestic product,” says food expert Mike von Massow from the University of Guelph.
Additionally, consumers can pay attention to information on the packaging about where the final production and processing took place, helping them make the best choice.
In the context of trade wars, understanding labels not only helps Canadians choose products of the correct origin but also plays a role in protecting the national economy.
