Forward Regulatory Plan 2022-2024: Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (Restricting the Advertising to Children of Prescribed Foods containing Sodium, Sugars and Saturated Fat)
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (Restricting the Advertising to Children of Prescribed Foods Sodium, Sugars and Saturated Fat)
Enabling Act
Description
Health Canada is proposing amendments to the Food and Drugs Regulations to introduce new restrictions on the advertising to children of prescribed foods containing sodium, sugars or saturated fat.
The proposed amendments would reduce children's exposure to, and power of, advertising of prescribed foods to lower the risk of obesity and diet-related chronic disease.
Supporting restrictions on the commercial marketing of food and beverages to children was identified as a commitment in the Minister of Health's December 2021 Mandate Letter.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
This initiative is not part of a formal regulatory cooperation work plan.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
It is anticipated that this proposal would reduce children's exposure to and the power of the advertising of prescribed foods containing sodium, sugars or saturated fat (over specific thresholds) resulting in the development of healthy eating habits and, ultimately, lower risk of obesity and related chronic diseases in adulthood. Businesses involved in advertising food to children may have a reduction in revenue.
The proposed restrictions would apply to companies and entities involved in advertising food to children. This includes, but is not limited to, food manufacturers, producers and importers, food retailers and restaurants, broadcasters, digital media, as well as advertising and marketing agencies.
Consultations
Between 2016 and 2019, Health Canada engaged and consulted extensively on this initiative.
Health Canada will engage stakeholders in 2022
Canadians will have the opportunity to provide comments on the regulatory proposal during the Canada Gazette, Part I, public comment period, which is expected to take place in fall 2023.
Further information
Related information may be found on:
Consultation Report: Restricting Marketing of Unhealthy Food and Beverages to Children in Canada
Meetings and correspondence on healthy eating
Health Canada's healthy eating strategy
Additional information may be requested from the departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Bruno Rodrigue
Executive Director
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Modernization
Policy, Planning and International Affairs Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-321-4235
Email: lrm.consultations-mlr@hc-sc.gc.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
April 2021
Consult Health Canada's acts and regulations web page for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by Health Canada
- further information on Health Canada's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:
To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:
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