Last updated on October 24, 2025
No, it is not allowed. In Canada, most consumer prepackaged foods must display mandatory information in both English and French. Exceptions exist, but they are limited and clearly defined under federal regulations.
Two Languages, One Label
In Canada, food doesn’t just speak to your taste buds—it speaks to your national identity. And it does so in two official languages: English and French. If you’re planning to sell food in Canada, your packaging needs to be fluent in both.
This isn’t just a cultural courtesy—it’s the law. The requirement for bilingual labeling is rooted in Canada’s commitment to official bilingualism, enshrined in the Official Languages Act and reinforced through food-specific legislation like the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). These laws mandate that core information on consumer prepackaged food—such as the common name, ingredients, net quantity, and storage instructions—must be presented in both English and French.
Why Bilingual Matters
Canada’s bilingual labeling rules are more than just a nod to its linguistic heritage. They’re designed to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of whether they speak English or French, can make informed decisions about the food they buy. This is especially important for health and safety information, such as allergen warnings or storage instructions like “Keep Refrigerated” or “Keep Frozen,” which must appear in both languages.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforces these rules, and they’re not optional. Selling food with packaging that lacks bilingual labeling can result in regulatory action, including product recalls or fines.
Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, not every food item is required to be bilingual. There are exceptions—but they’re narrow and specific. For example, shipping containers destined for commercial or institutional use (not retail sale) may be labeled in just one official language. Specialty foods, local foods, and test market products may also qualify for exemptions, provided they meet strict criteria outlined in the regulations.
Even then, certain expressions—like “Keep Refrigerated”—must still appear in both languages if the food poses a safety risk when improperly stored. So while there’s some wiggle room, it’s tightly regulated.
Retail Responsibility
Retailers, manufacturers, and importers share responsibility for ensuring that food packaging complies with bilingual labeling laws. If a product is sold at retail and lacks the required bilingual information, the retailer can’t simply point fingers at the supplier. Everyone in the supply chain is accountable.
This shared responsibility reflects Canada’s broader approach to food safety and consumer protection. Labels aren’t just marketing tools—they’re legal documents that communicate essential information to the public.
See more on Canada
Sources
Bilingual food labelling
https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/bilingual-food-labelling
2025-01-15
Labelling legislative framework
https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/labelling-legislative-framework
2025-01-15