Labeling in Canada vs US

WizardTom · Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 26

Hi all, I took a job in Skagway Alaska driving tour buses and quickly found myself spending days on end driving in Yukon Territory Canada (6-7 days away from home). I'm having a hard time shopping while I"m here because my cell phone does not work in Canada (to call the manufacturers while shopping in the store) and I don't know the rules for Food Labeling in Canada.

Anything I should look out for. For example, in the states now (since Jan, 1 06) an ingredient modified with wheat has to label it so when I see modified food starch I know weather or not its safe in the states... but what rules does Canada have?

I'm living mostly off corn chips and cheese nachos, fruits, Potatoes, eggs, bacon (salted/smoked), and a bit of grilled salmon and bratwursts and chicken. ITs pretty well rounded but now that I'm on the long road tours days at a time away from home I need items I dont have to prepare!

Thanks for the help,
Tomas

Linda · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 10:38 am Post subject:

Most (if not all) of the big companies: ConAgra, Kraft, Unilever, General Mills, etc. will clearly label wheat, rye, oats, barley/malt. I suggest that if you have to stop in Yukon and you're at a hotel or truck stop or something that you try to call some of the 800 numbers just for reassurance.
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sweetea · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 180 Location: Midwest

I know this is an older thread but I"d like to revive it a bit...we are thinking of taking a road trip into Canada this summer.

So it's safe to say that the major food brands we have here in the US are also in CA? It's been a long time since I was up in CA.

I think it will be easier to drive up...than fly up...since I can pack the car with foods I buy here. But flying would be better.

Anyone have any info about traveling GF in CA? Thanks!

lorka · Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 269

I'm Canadian - we don't have all of the the same brands, but what types of things will you be getting? I can give you suggestions.
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sweetea · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 180 Location: Midwest

Thank you Lorka!

If we stay in a hotel we'd like to find one with mini frig and microwave...so then I'll be relying on microwave meals? Do you have the "Amys" brand in CA? Here I can get General Mills Rice Chex that are GF also...

Hmm... see I have no more ideas on how to travel GF....lol...

help! Very Happy

aklap · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 10972 Location: WI, USA

I have some info on Canadian labeling around here, I'll have to hunt it up.
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“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

lorka · Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 269

We only have a handful of Amy's meals, but we do have other convenience foods. We sell Food For Life tortillas, we use their corn ones here because they are (from my knowledge) the only whole grain ones.

I am casein-free, too, so the products I know are mainly those.

We don't have Rice Chex in Canada so if you like them, I'd bring them, but we do have a lot of gluten-free cereals otherwise.

As for our laws, we do not have to label gluten-free. Some things do that are from gluten-free companies (like Enjoy Life, for example).

Sweatea, where abouts are you heading, do you think?

And what types of foods do you like? I can recommend brands.
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Gluten-free, vegan blog: Whisking & Writing
Gluten-free, Casein-Free, Whole Foods: Mission in the Kitchen