Pork industry applauds ground pork and beef exemption from front of package labelling requirements

By Lynn Redl-Huntington

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced the finalized Front-of-Package labelling regulations today, which are part of the Government of Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy. In the finalized regulations, ground pork and ground beef are exempt from the requirement of having a front-of-package warning label.

“We’re pleased Health Canada is exempting ground pork along with other nutritious foods such as milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruit from a front-of-package label. Ground pork is a convenient, whole food that contributes essential nutrients many Canadians need more of in their diets,” said Rick Bergmann, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council.

Ground meat is a nutrient-dense, complete protein that contributes iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients to the Canadian diet. Statistics Canada, meanwhile, reports approximately half the calories Canadians consume come from nutrient poor ultra-processed foods.

Almost 50 per cent of beef consumed in Canada is ground beef and more than 90 per cent of Canadians consume ground beef on a weekly basis. The finalized regulations demonstrate a recognition of what consumers, farmers and ranchers know well, beef and pork are wholesome sources of high-quality protein that are important staples in Canadians’ diet.

“We are grateful that the Government of Canada heard our concerns and reversed the policy proposal on ground pork and ground beef. Affordable, nutrient-dense proteins like ground pork and ground beef are becoming increasingly important at a time when inflation and food prices are at an all-time high,” said Mark Ferguson, General Manager, Sask Pork.

“CMC is pleased that Health Canada is exempting ground meat like most other countries. This exemption will ensure that our members can continue to export their products without additional challenges, allowing us to keep feeding the world and Canadians with our world-class protein,” said Chris White, President & CEO, Canadian Meat Council.

 Nearly 70 percent of the pork produced in Canada is exported to 100 countries.