Canadian Food Inspection Agency Ensuring Accuracy of ‘Made in Canada’ Claims

As the imposed tariffs by the American Government continue to impact the purchasing decisions of Canadian consumers, the market has seen a surge in supporting Canadian businesses and searching for Canadian products. Increasingly, labels are now indicating “Made in Canada”, or “T’s” to indicate where a product could have a tariff increase transparency and help consumers understand if their food products were grown, manufactured, or otherwise processed in Canada. While the goal is to inspire patriotism, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has begun to place greater scrutiny on how these claims are being used – or misused, to protect consumers. 

On July 30, 2025, the CFIA issued a reminder to the food industry emphasizing the importance of accurate origin claims. This update was prompted by a noticeable increase in consumer complaints - particularly related to bulk produce - about misleading use of “Made in Canada” claims and maple leaf imagery. 

The CFIA re-iterated that retailers are responsible (and liable) of ensuring that all food products sold in-store, including unpackaged or bulk items, comply with Canada’s food labelling laws. This responsibility goes beyond packaging and includes in-store signage and online advertising. This important reminder highlights that origin claims cannot be a marketing tactic but are required to be truthful  and supported by evidence. 

The use of a maple leaf remains a powerful symbol of Canadian identity, but it can be ambiguous without proper context. Retailers should ensure that any use of Canadian identifiers is accompanied by clear and accurate claims that align with CFIA guidelines.  

Froese Law can help with packaging and labelling support.

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