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Front-of-Package (FOP) Symbol Calculator
Find the right Health Canada “High in” nutrition symbol for your package: the correct front-of-pack format, minimum size, clear space and placement under Canada's front-of-package nutrition labelling rules.
The quick facts.
What is the front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol?
It's Health Canada's black-and-white “High in” symbol with a magnifying glass. Most prepackaged foods that meet or exceed the thresholds for saturated fat, sugars or sodium must show it on the principal display panel, the part of the label shoppers see first. The rules are in the Food and Drug Regulations, sections B.01.350 to B.01.357.
When did front-of-pack labelling become mandatory?
The regulations came into force in July 2022 with a transition period. As of January 1, 2026, prepackaged foods must comply with the front-of-package nutrition symbol requirements.
How big does the “High in” symbol need to be?
It depends on the principal display surface (PDS) of your package. There are six size groups, from over 600 cm² down to 30 cm² or less. On the largest packages, a bilingual horizontal symbol is at least 6.29 × 3.30 cm and a unilingual one 4.42 × 3.30 cm. Each size also has a minimum clear space around the symbol, from 2.7 mm down to 1.1 mm. The calculator above works out your exact numbers.
Where does the FOP symbol go on the label?
If the principal display panel is at least as tall as it is wide, the symbol goes in the top half. If it's wider than it is tall, it goes in the right half. On cans, jars and other round packages, the clear space must stay at least 10% of the display surface's width away from its left and right edges.
Does the symbol have to be bilingual?
Yes, unless the product is exempt from bilingual labelling. You can use one bilingual symbol (English first or French first), or separate English and French symbols. Packs with a full English face and a full French face can carry one unilingual symbol on each.
When does a food need the symbol?
When saturated fat, sugars or sodium reaches 15% of the Daily Value for most foods, 10% for foods with a reference amount of 30 g or 30 mL or less, or 30% for main dishes with a reference amount of 200 g or more. Some foods are exempt, including packages with less than 15 cm² of labelling space, plain sugar, honey, maple syrup and salt.
Where do I get the official FOP symbol artwork?
Health Canada provides the official .EPS files for free. Email smiu-ugdi@hc-sc.gc.ca with the subject line “HPFB BNS Compendium of Nutrition Symbol Formats”. The calculator tells you exactly which figure to use.