Canadian Pet Food Regulatory & Label Compliance Consultant

We are establishing a new pet products venture in Canada and are seeking an experienced regulatory and label compliance consultant to advise on packaging and labelling for small pet, bird and parrot food products. The consultant will help determine the Canadian requirements applicable to the products and review all packaging content before the designs are finalized for commercial printing. Scope of work: • Assess the appropriate Canadian regulatory classification and requirements for the proposed products • Review product names, ingredient declarations, product descriptions, warnings and other mandatory label information • Review marketing statements, nutritional statements, feeding directions and product claims for compliance and substantiation concerns • Advise on applicable English and French language requirements • Identify any issues relating to products or ingredients manufactured in or imported into Canada • Review “Made in Canada,” natural, premium, organic, health-related or similar claims where applicable • Provide clear written recommendations, corrections and a practical label compliance checklist • Coordinate with the packaging designer as needed to ensure required information is properly reflected in the final artwork Required experience: • Direct professional experience with Canadian pet food, animal feed, food, consumer product or animal product regulatory compliance • Practical experience reviewing commercially used product labels or packaging • Familiarity with relevant Canadian requirements and guidance, including those administered or published by the Competition Bureau and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, where applicable • Strong understanding of ingredient declarations, product claims and label review • Excellent professional English writing and editing skills • Ability to explain regulatory requirements clearly and provide practical recommendations Preferred experience: • Pet food, pet treats, bird food, parrot food or small animal food products • Products containing imported ingredients or animal-derived ingredients • Bilingual English/French packaging requirements • Experience supporting Canadian market entry for an international manufacturer or entrepreneur When submitting your proposal, please include: 1. A brief description of your Canadian regulatory and label compliance experience 2. Examples of pet food, animal feed, food or consumer product labels you have reviewed 3. The Canadian regulatory frameworks or agencies you regularly work with 4. Your hourly rate and availability 5. Whether you can provide a written compliance review and marked-up label recommendations Toronto or Greater Toronto Area candidates are preferred, but qualified remote consultants with strong Canadian experience are welcome. This is a project-based freelance engagement, with the possibility of ongoing consultation as additional products are developed.