May 17, 2006

Update: Canadian Rules for Sulphite/Health Warning Labels

Sulphite Labeling

As reported last year, Canada will require sulphite labeling for wine but the implementation of this labeling requirement has been postponed until 2007.

Health Canada is still working on the regulatory amendments that would require wine to declare added sulphites that are present at or above a level of 10 mg/kg. These proposed regulations are part of the regulatory package to address the labelling requirements for food allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites on all prepackaged foods sold in Canada. They anticipate that the proposed regulations would be published in the Canada Gazette (step one) later this year and turned around for publication in the Canada Gazette (step two) as soon as possible (probably early 2007). A transition period is being considered for these labelling requirements so industry would have some time to change their labels accordingly.

While the final rules for the presentation of this statement have not been developed, the statement will likely have to appear in both English and French. This statement is not required for wine labels at this time. Please check back with WineScience.com for information on the final rules early next year.

Health Warnings

The Canadian government had considered requiring health warning statements on beverage alcohol. However, the proposed legislation was not approved by the Canadian Parliment. Therefore, health warnings are not required at this time.

In April 2005, the Canadian Parliment's Standing Committee on Health considered Bill C-206, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act which would require warning labels regarding the consumption of alcohol. The committee recommended that the House of Commons not proceed further with the Bill. Just recently however, the member who originally introduced the Bill reintroduced another bill (Bill C-251, An Act to amend the Foods and Drugs Act) similar to the previous bill. We do not know when or if this bill will be debated.

For now, health warnings for product sold in Canada are not required. Please check back with WineScience.com for updates.