Non-Bilingual Beverage Container Labels: What BC Producers Need to Know

Beverage packaging does more than hold your drink—it protects the product, informs consumers, and supports recycling programs. In Canada, all beverage containers sold at retail must meet federal bilingual labelling requirements. Containers that do not meet these requirements cannot be sold to consumers, including in British Columbia.

Under Canadian federal regulations—such as the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, Food and Drug Regulations, and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations—mandatory information on consumer prepackaged goods must appear in both English and French.

Required bilingual fields include:

• Product identity (e.g., “Apple Juice” / “Jus de pomme”)

• Net Quantity (must be shown in metric units such as mL or L)

• List of Ingredients and Allergens

• Dealer or Manufacturer Name and Address

• Nutrition Facts Table

• Specific Claims (e.g., "Organic / Biologique"

• Any other legally required information

Beverage containers that do not meet federal bilingual labeling requirements will not be registered with the Return-It program.

If beverages are found being sold without the required labeling, the products may be reported to both provincial authorities in British Columbia and relevant federal regulatory bodies in Canada.

Producers and distributors are responsible for ensuring their packaging complies with all applicable federal labelling requirements before products are sold at retail.