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Proper labelling improves customer trust and directly improves listing quality on Beavy.
Information Notice: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Labelling requirements may vary depending on your product type, sales channel, and applicable federal/provincial rules. Always verify requirements with official government sources before selling.
A food label is the information displayed on your product packaging that tells customers what the product is, what it contains, and who made it. Labels help ensure transparency, especially for allergens and food safety.
In most cases, if you are selling packaged food in Ontario, you will need a label. This applies whether you sell:
Some unpackaged or prepared‑on‑demand foods may have different requirements.
Clear, descriptive, and accurate.
Examples: “Chocolate Chip Cookies”, “Strawberry Jam”
List all ingredients in descending order by weight.
Example: Flour, sugar, butter, chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla extract
Must clearly identify common allergens such as:
Weight (g, kg) or volume (ml, L).
Example: Net weight: 250 g
Include your business name, location, and a contact method.
Required for certain foods with shorter shelf life.
Examples: “Store in a cool, dry place”, “Refrigerate after opening”.
Missing allergens
Incorrect ingredient order
Vague product names
Missing net weight
Not updating labels when recipes change
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla extract
Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs
Net Weight: 250 g
Made by: [Business Name], Ontario, Canada
Contact: hello@yourbusiness.com
Best before: 10/10/2026
In many cases, small‑scale businesses may qualify for simplified labelling or exemptions depending on sales volume and product type. Requirements depend on federal rules and should be verified individually.
When in doubt, consult official guidance from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Labels are usually required for packaged goods. Market organizers may add additional rules.
Full labels are strongly recommended since customers cannot see the product physically.
Labels still recommended for consistency and safety.
Many packaged foods sold across Canada require English and French labelling.
Not always — requirements depend on product type and scale.
Yes, but they must be clear, legible, and complete.
