A look at the proposed revision of Canada’s Food Guide

The Canadian Food Guide is getting a major overhaul. Health Canada has been taking the necessary steps to update the food guide – the last revision was in 2007 – based on current research and extensive feedback from health practitioners and the Canadian public.

“Canada’s first food guide, the Official Food Rules, was introduced to the public in July 1942. This guide acknowledged wartime food rationing, while endeavoring to prevent nutritional deficiencies and to improve the health of Canadians.”[1]

There have been 8 revisions to the food guide since 1942. In 1961 the name was changed from the Official Food Rules to the Canadian Food Guide, in 1977 the revision was guided by reports from the Nutrition Canada National Survey (1973), which represented the largest, most comprehensive nutritional study of the Canadian population to date and finally, in 1992 the title was changed to reflect a new goal for the Guide, to become Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Some principles have stayed the same while others have changed. But, over the years the underlying message has stayed the same, to guide food selection to promote the nutritional health of Canadians.

Where is the new guide headed?

The revision process for the new updates started in 2013 where over 2 years’ evidence was reviewed and concluded: 1. based on current serving recommendations it was difficult to prepare healthy meals and snacks 2. The guide was not meeting the needs of all audiences and finally the scientific basis of the 2007 guide was generally consistent with current research. Health Canada’s new healthy eating strategy will be implemented in the new revision. The strategy laid out by Health Canada looks to:

  • strengthen healthy eating guidelines (improve nutritional labeling and claims)
  • protect vulnerable populations and increase the availability of healthy food options (indigenous populations)
  • reflect the increase in diversity of ethnic foods
  • address the environmental impact of nutritional choices (plant sources vs. animal sources)
  • alternative diet choices for vegetarians or those with an allergy or intolerance.

The revision of Canada’s Food Guide will be completed in 2 phases[2]:

Early 2018:

  • Part 1 of the new dietary guidance policy report for health professionals and policy makers, which will consist of general healthy eating recommendations
  • supporting key messages and resources for Canadians

Early 2019:

  • Part 2 of the new dietary guidance policy report, which will consist of healthy eating patterns (recommended amounts and types of foods)
  • additional resources for Canadians

Public Consultation is still open so you can have your voice heard on the new revision.https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-canada-food-guide.html. The process is a huge undertaking and will not likely please everyone. The food guide and Health Canada’s recommendations are a good place to start. From there you can make your own informed nutritional choices. Remember – taste and food choice is a personal preference, caloric intake can be dictated by age, gender, activity level, hormones and body type. Ultimately, read nutritional labels, eating healthy can be within means, manage intake based on activity level and adjust macronutrient percentages accordingly.


[1] Government of Canada “Canada’s Food Guides from 1942 to 1992” https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/canada-food-guide/background-food-guide/canada-food-guides-1942-1992.html

[2] Government of Canada “Canada Food Guide Revision process” https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guides/revision-process.html