Food labels Canada 2026 just made your favorite snacks guilty pleasures official. Cameron Smith from UBC explains the new mandatory front-of-package warnings that flag high sodium, saturated fat, and sugar before you even flip the box around. Shane admits picking up a favorite product only to see the label and thinking it ruined everything. But here's the tension: is there actual delight in not knowing what you're eating, or does that ignorance create the health problems doctors keep asking about?

Cameron breaks down how Health Canada created interpretive labels that eliminate nutrition facts table confusion. Instead of calculating percentages of daily values across confusing serving sizes, consumers get instant warnings when products exceed national thresholds. The Chile policy model proves the concept works with 20 to 30% purchase reductions after three years when combined with school food regulations and marketing restrictions to kids. Manufacturers now face reformulation pressure as consumers compare identical products side by side where one has warnings and one doesn't.

Discover which foods earn exemptions like single ingredient raw meats and protective items including yogurt without added sugar. Learn why tiny candy bars escape individual labels but trigger warnings on multipacks. Understand how budget constraints expose the uncomfortable truth that some people eat for calories and energy rather than nutrition optimization.

GUEST: Cameron Smith | https://news.ubc.ca/2026/01/new-front-of-package-nutrition-labels-in-canada/

Originally aired on 2026-01-15

Food labels Canada 2026 just made your favorite snacks guilty pleasures official. Cameron Smith from UBC explains the new mandatory front-of-package warnings that flag high sodium, saturated fat, and sugar before you even flip the box around. Shane admits picking up a favorite product only to see the label and thinking it ruined everything. But here's the tension: is there actual delight in not knowing what you're eating, or does that ignorance create the health problems doctors keep asking about?
Cameron breaks down how Health Canada created interpretive labels that eliminate nutrition facts table confusion. Instead of calculating percentages of daily values across confusing serving sizes, consumers get instant warnings when products exceed national thresholds. The Chile policy model proves the concept works with 20 to 30% purchase reductions after three years when combined with school food regulations and marketing restrictions to kids. Manufacturers now face reformulation pressure as consumers compare identical products side by side where one has warnings and one doesn't.
Discover which foods earn exemptions like single ingredient raw meats and protective items including yogurt without added sugar. Learn why tiny candy bars escape individual labels but trigger warnings on multipacks. Understand how budget constraints expose the uncomfortable truth that some people eat for calories and energy rather than nutrition optimization.
GUEST: Cameron Smith |<a href="https://news.ubc.ca/2026/01/new-front-of-package-nutrition-labels-in-canada/"> https://news.ubc.ca/2026/01/new-front-of-package-nutrition-labels-in-canada/</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-15

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.