To deter fraud, Canada is instituting new guidelines, in cooperation with the United States, for proper maple syrup labels. According to a press release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Canadian government has altered the Maple Products Regulations with the goal of harmonizing U.S. and Canadian syrup standards while bringing the ranking and color classification system up-to-date.
Over the course of two years, syrup producers will be expected to conform to the new rules, which include more specific syrup types based on taste and color. Although the release did not specifically list the new rules, it announced that they will be published in the Canada Gazette at the end of this month.
Canada has struggled to present proper information about its syrup for some time. Earlier this year, the CFIA noted that the present means of classifying syrup, which uses a grade system, could confuse consumers and make them think these were designations based on quality.
Among those quoted in the release supporting this initiative is Senator Nancy Greene Raine, who cited the possible advantages of changing the approach to syrup.
"Not only will these amendments provide maple producers greater freedom to market their products internationally, they will make it easier for Canadian consumers to purchase the syrup they prefer," she said. "The new grades and colour classes will help Canadians make more informed choices when shopping for our high quality maple syrup."
Because the new labels will reference the color of the syrup produced, color labeling and consistency is important. Companies that use the preferred industrial label printers are more likely to make all their different brands reflect universal standards in each location.