April 24/Ottawa, Ont./Canadian Food Inspection Agency -- After extensive industry consultation the government of Canada has amended the Food and Drug Regulations to provide consumers with more information about how food labeled as halal are made.

Halal claims on food labels, packaging or advertising material must now include the name of the certifying body. This will provide consumers with assurances that the food meets a certifying body's standard and allow them to obtain specific information about the standards the food has met.

This change will also provide consistency for industry and help prevent mislabelling practices and claims regarding halal food products.

This change does not affect food safety. Halal products sold in Canada are still required to meet Canada's stringent food safety standards. These requirements will apply to both domestic and imported products.

The amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on April 23, 2014.