The US’s Food & Drug Administration’s decision to review regulations for front labeling, including nutrition and health claims, prompted the suspension of the Smart Choices program after critics pointed out the designation was being applied to sugary cereals. Now Canada’s version (known as Health Check and featuring a red checkmark on packaging) is looking to avoid that kind of problem by tightening standards, including disallowing cookies, pudding, snack foods, flans, or frozen dairy, soy or tofu desserts. In addition, the recommendation of the Canadian Trans Fat Task Force of no more than 5% of total fat come from trans fats has been adopted. New standards on sugar and fiber are being implemented, and sodium content has been cut by more than 50%. Manufacturers have until November 2010 to comply. get in line with tough new rules on sodium. Companies pay from $150-$700 to assess an item, and a further $1,225-$3,625 to have a product licensed, up to a maximum of $180,000, though Health Check is a non-profit with leftover monies invested in health and nutrition research and education.
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