This recommendation is a result of the view of a variety of groups in Canada that the current food fortification policies are too restrictive. If the proposal is adopted, it should provide the opportunity for more choices of fortified food, a wider distribution of nutrients in the food supply, and greater flexibility in the regulatory framework.

The United States and Canada have current policies and regulations regarding fortification that differ in many ways. In the United States FDA has maintained its decision to not require mandatory fortification of any food product, and it has parallel standards of identity for versions of food products that are enriched and those that are not. FDA currently has a policy statement that identifies fortification practices that manufacturers are encouraged to follow. However, this policy cannot be enforced, and FDA employs labeling requirements rather than rigid standards for nutrient composition to assist consumers. In Canada the situation with food fortification is changing. For many years food fortification has been tightly regulated. The policy currently being crafted will likely result in expanded options for food fortification, particularly in the area of discretionary fortification.