Food

Food is a big part of our daily lives, essential to our health and wellbeing. Learn more about the foods that are best for your children’s growth and development — and how to handle and store them safely to prevent foodborne illnesses.

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Food safety

Food allergies and intolerances

Parents need to be alert to the risks of food allergies and intolerances — for the safety of their own kids and others.

Allergies

A food sensitivity is an adverse reaction to a food that other people can safely eat. Food sensitivities include food allergies, food intolerances and chemical sensitivities.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease — also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy — is an inherited condition triggered by eating cereal grains that contain gluten.

Infant botulism

Infant botulism affects healthy babies under one year old. It’s caused by a food-poisoning bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.

Food temperature guidelines

Many cases of foodborne illness (otherwise known as "food poisoning") could be prevented every year with one simple tool: a food thermometer.

Food safety during the holidays

One of the best parts about the holidays is having friends and family over to visit. By following these basic food safety tips, you can help make sure they return home happy and healthy.

Food handling and storage tips

Most cases of foodborne illnesses (food poisoning) are a direct result of improper food handling and storage. You can reduce the risk in your kitchen by following these food safety tips.

Four easy steps to food safety

The way we store, handle and prepare food at home plays a critical role in our families’ food safety.

Microwave oven food safety tips

Are there risks to microwave use? Microwave ovens are a quick and convenient way to thaw, cook and reheat food. But what are their health effects?

Unpasteurized juice and cider

Most people can safely consume unpasteurized fruit juice and cider. However, at-risk groups are encouraged to avoid consuming unpasteurized products.

Produce safety

Make sure you’re being careful in how you handle and prepare fresh fruit and vegetables.

Halloween food safety

All kids should be careful before eating trick-or-treat goodies at Halloween — especially those with allergies and sensitivities.

Preparing and handling powdered infant formula

Young children, especially infants, are vulnerable to foodborne illness.
 

Food recalls

Be alert, be informed

Food-borne illnesses can have serious consequences for children and adults alike. Keep your family as safe as possible by staying up to date on the latest food recalls.

The consumer role

Help protect other Canadians by reporting any foods you think may have made you or a family member sick.

Role of government and industry in food safety

The Government of Canada is committed to food safety.
 

Nutrition and healthy eating

How much and what types of foods are better for me and my family?

Children aged two years and older can get the nutrients and calories they need to grow and develop by following Canada’s Food Guide.

Healthy eating tips

Promoting healthy eating habits in your children when they’re young will help them continue to eat well later in life.

Trans fat

Scientific evidence has shown that dietary trans fats can increase your risk of developing heart disease. To combat this, you can choose food for yourself and your children that contains little to no trans fat.

Eating out

Eating out with your family doesn’t have to mean you can’t eat well. Most cafeterias, fast food shops and restaurants offer healthy options: it’s all about making smart choices.

Caffeinated beverages and energy drinks

Caffeine is found in a variety of products — not just coffee, tea, chocolate, cola and certain medications, but also energy drinks and so-called energy shots. So how much caffeine is too much for kids?

Sodium

Eating a high sodium diet while young may predispose children to health problems, such as high blood pressure, later in life.

Food allergies and school lunches

When you’re packing lunches for your school-aged children, make sure you’re being allergy aware.
 

Food labelling

Know what's in your children's food

The labels on prepackaged foods can tell you a lot about what’s in them, their nutritional value and whether they pose any risk of allergic reactions.

How to read food date labels and packaging

Information about dates on pre-packaged food is a valuable source of information.

Allergen labelling

Allergens must be labelled unless they fall under an exemption and pose no health risk to the public.

Reading nutrition facts

The Nutrition Facts table provides information on the quantity of calories and the amount of 13 nutrients found in the amount of food listed at the top of the table.