Canada Reclassifies Sports Drinks as Foods
Health Canada has announced the transition of sports electrolyte products from the Natural Health Product (NHP) regulatory framework to the food regulatory framework.
This classification is intended to ensure that products in food formats that are represented and marketed similarly to other food products are regulated as foods, ensuring consistency and transparency.
Sports electrolyte products are typically in food formats, which include:
- Ready-to-drink beverages
- Concentrates, powders, or effervescent tablets intended to be mixed with water.
Sports electrolyte products are typically marketed with claims related to sport and exercise performance, using terms such as "hydration," "rehydration," and "electrolyte replacement.” These products are distinct from Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) products, which are specifically designed for treating dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting, and will remain regulated as NHPs.
Implications for Industry
Manufacturers and license holders of sports electrolyte products will transition from the NHP framework to the food regulatory framework. New products coming onto the market will need to comply with the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations (FDR). Products that comply with the applicable regulatory requirements of the FDR can be offered for sale directly without a pre-market submission.
As foods, sports electrolyte products with added ingredients such as mineral nutrients are considered supplemented foods and would need to comply with the regulations for supplemented foods.
License holders of existing Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) for sports electrolyte products will be encouraged to transition by December 31, 2027 to be considered compliant with the food regulatory framework.
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