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Label Review Service

CPMA’s Label Review Service helps members confirm that their fresh produce labels meet Canadian labelling regulations. Eligible items include PLU stickers, consumer prepackaged products, and cases or shipping containers. Reviews are advisory only; approvals rest with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Key Details

Eligibility

Must be initiated by an active CPMA Regular or Regional member. The member must appear on the label as the responsible party (“distributed by…”).

Allowance

2 free label reviews are included each membership year.

Additional reviews

Extra reviews available at $500 CAD + tax per label.

Turnaround

Typical review within 20 business days; complex labels (e.g. claims, logos) may take up to 30.

Scope & Limits

We review:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Fresh herbs and sprouts
  • Fresh nuts
  • Minimally processed produce (washed, peeled, shredded, etc.)
  • Label formats: PLU stickers, consumer prepackaged items, and cases/shipping containers

We don’t review:

  • Produce with added ingredients (e.g. salad kits with dressing)
  • Processed items (e.g. dehydrated, steamed, puréed)
  • Translation — the label owner is responsible for French/English translations
  • Customer-specific requirements (e.g. Produce Traceability Initiative formatting)

  • Use the CPMA Labelling Checklist to pre-screen your files
  • Bundle all artwork, dielines, and translations
  • Allow sufficient time — don’t wait until shipment is imminent
  • Submitting more than 2 labels? Contact [email protected] to schedule timelines

Important Notes

CPMA provides advisory guidance only; approvals rest with CFIA. Consult all relevant acts and regulations. Information is provided “as is.” CPMA is not liable for losses arising from use or reliance, including policy changes or errors.

Questions? Contact Ikram Riahi (Manager, Food Policy and Label Review) at [email protected].

Quebec Bill 96 — Trademarks on Labels

Quebec’s Bill 96 introduces new trademark translation requirements that affect labels for consumer products, including fresh produce. These requirements are in addition to existing Quebec rules requiring packaging information to be in French.

Starting June 1, 2025, any generic* or descriptive** element within a trademark must appear in French, displayed with the same prominence (type size, font, colour) as the other language. Elements that are not descriptive or generic in nature may remain in another language.

*Generic

Words describing the nature of the product (excluding company/brand names).

**Descriptive

Words describing the characteristics of the product (e.g. ingredients, colour, fragrance) (excluding company/brand names).

Key Facts

Effective Date

June 1, 2025 — companies must comply by this date.

What Must Be Translated

Generic and descriptive elements within a trademark.

What Can Stay in Another Language

Brand names and non-descriptive elements.

Compliance Standard

French text must match the other language in type height, font, and colour.

Resources

Member Resources

USA–Canada Labelling Guide (July 2024)

For consumer prepack and cases/shipping.
Get it in Community

Traceability Guidance (SFCR v2.1)

Industry guidance for SFCR compliance.
Download

Canadian Case/Shipping Labelling Guidance

Get it in Community

Canadian Labelling Checklist

Pre-submission checklist for labels.
Get it in Community

Canadian Nutrition Facts

Serving sizes, claims, and data (with Health Canada).
Download

Provincial Retail Signage & Advertising

Guidance on signage and advertising rules.
Get it in Community
Request a Label Review Download Labelling Checklist