Canadians will notice some additions to labels on packaged foods they find on grocery store shelves - changes designed to better protect people with allergies.
New federal food labelling regulations are to take effect across the country today, requiring manufacturers to clearly identify the presence of ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.
Some companies have already been identifying "plain language" ingredients in their products voluntarily. Now, it will be mandatory.
Health ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ lists 10 "priority" food allergens in the regulations, including peanuts, eggs, milk, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame seeds, seafood and sulphites. Mustard was also recently added to the list.
Industry organization Food and Consumer Products of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ says its members have worked with the government over the past 18 months to ensure that food labels are comprehensive and easy to read and their products are safe.
The changes are being welcomed by Anaphylaxis ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, an advocacy group for people with food allergies.
Roughly 2.5 million Canadians have reported having at least one food allergy. Anaphylaxis is considered the most serious form.
