Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.

What success looks like

Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.

Government's narrative on progress

The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans-fat, was published in September 2017 and took effect in September 2018. In addition, following the publication in January 2018 of a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods, Health Canada published a report in July 2018 showing that most Canadians, particularly children, teens and males, are still consuming too much sodium. On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part I. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire and consumer research to help inform the design of the final symbol. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.