The Government of Canada has announced changes to the country’s Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) to help people with food allergies and coeliac disease make more informed choices.

The FDR lists specific requirements related to the labelling, packaging, and advertising of beer products sold in the country. The alterations are the result of extensive consultation with consumers, brewers and other stakeholders. They will be applied by 14 December 2022.

One of the amendments will ensure labels declare food allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites.

“These changes demonstrate our government’s commitment to simplifying regulations so that they work better for businesses.”

Canada’s Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor said: “The new labelling changes serve to protect consumer health. Food allergies and intolerances are a real concern and safety issue for many Canadians.

“The requirement to have beer labels clearly state if food allergens, gluten sources or sulphites are present in the product will give consumers assurance that the beer they drink will not pose a risk to their health because of a food allergy or food sensitivity.”

The modernised beer standards are expected to help increase innovation in the Canadian beer industry. Brewers will be able to enjoy more flexibility and develop products using new ingredients and flavouring preparations while not compromising on maintaining beer’s integrity.

Canada Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said: “These changes demonstrate our government’s commitment to simplifying regulations so that they work better for businesses.

“A modernised beer standard allows Canadian brewers to develop a new range of products that meet the tastes of our consumers. These changes will help our beer industry grow, creating good middle-class jobs in communities across Canada.”