Health Canada recently released a new guide for industry on the safe use of health products to make product labels and packages easier for consumers and health professionals to read and understand.
The guides are a part of Health Canada’s Plain Language Labelling Initiative, under which important action has been taken to make product labels and packaging information easier to read and understand.
This includes introducing the Plain Language Labelling Regulations with new requirements for clear, understandable labels including the Facts Table for non-prescription drugs — that are being phased into effect. The table is modelled after the Canadian Nutrition Facts table for foods and a similar table used for non-prescription drugs in the U.S., and is a requirement that will be phased into the Canadian marketplace starting June 2017.
The guidance is provided in two “Good Label and Package Practices” guides, one for non-prescription (i.e. over-the-counter) drugs and natural health products, and the other for prescription drugs. Together, they will provide industry with direction for designing clear and effective health product labels and packages.
More information
Fact Sheet – Facts Table for Non-prescription Drugs
Plain Language Guidance Document