Frequently Asked Questions
CONSUMER FAQ
What does the True Foods™ symbol mean?
The True Foods™ symbol is a Trustmark symbolizing True Foods’™ assurance to discerning consumers that food products bearing this trustmark are verified and continually monitored from farm to shelf to ensure that they consistently conform to the label claims on the package.
Why is the True Foods™ trustmark important?
With the elimination of the pre-market registration process under the Label and Recipe Registration Unit of the CFIA, label claim regulation has taken a more reactive state as opposed to a proactive state. Now label claims are investigated only when they come under question. All label claims on packaging are assumed to be from programs that carry out and audit to the necessary protocol procedures, however this may not be the case. Until a false label has been questioned and determined to not qualify for a specific label claim, the products may be sold under false representation. True Foods™ verification, gives you the peace of mind of knowing that all practices and protocols have been followed and audited in order to qualify for product label claims.
Are the True Foods™ programs audited to certain standards?
Yes, the programs under True Foods™ are all verified by multiple audits every year. Each program has its own developed set of protocols that the auditor checks conformity to, there is not one static set of auditable standards across the programs that fall under True Foods™.
How do you select farms to be on the True Foods™ verified programs?
True Foods™ chooses to work with family farms that are detail oriented enough to be able to easily follow the program protocols that they are audited to. It is important the farmers are committed to the value added aspects of the various label claims they are producing.
I do not see products with the True Foods™ trustmark in my supermarket. How do I request this type of authentication reassurance?
If you feel that you want to purchase products with the True Foods™ Trustmark and they are not available at your supermarket, please voice this request with the manager of the store and give them the True Foods™ website address as an educational tool to follow up with. Conversely, if you look under the Participating Members section of this site and select one of the participating companies you will be able to view purchasing information for their products.
FARMER FAQ
How do I become a producer for one of the programs under the True Foods™ trustmark?
If you feel your farming operation would fit one of the True Foods™ value chain programs please contact
What are the benefits of producing my livestock under the True Foods™ trustmark?
True Foods™ participating member companies are selling specialty premium products. Premium products would sell at a profit above conventional product prices, therefore increasing the net profitability of the farm. Also, being part of a True Foods™ program, you gain the assurance that your products are being accurately represented in the marketplace and any documentation that you may need is readily available.
I market my own products at local farmers markets, my farmgate store and to local retailers. Could I qualify for the trustmark?
Yes, often programs start small and then grow. One qualifying aspect of a viable True Foods™ program is the need for the program to be scalable.
What is the cost to be a producer under the True Food™ trustmark?
The cost of being a producer under one of the True Foods™ verified programs is dependent on the protocols of that program. Animals may need to follow specific nutrition protocols that would cost more to feed than conventional diets or there may be an auditing fee associated with production under certain programs. The additional cost/compensation is completely dependent on the program you are involved with. True Foods™ itself does not charge a fee to the producer for the governance services it provides.
I do not see products with the True Foods™ trustmark in my supermarket. How do I request this type of authentication reassurance?
If you feel that you want to purchase products with the True Foods™ Trustmark and they are not available at your supermarket, please voice this request with the manager of the store and give them the True Foods™ website address as an educational tool to follow up with. Conversely, if you look under the Participating Members section of this site and select one of the participating companies you will be able to view purchasing information for their products.
FOOD COMPANY FAQ
I want to carry products with the True Foods™ trustmark. How do I do this?
To carry the True Foods™ Trustmark products you can either approach one of the brands that we currently verify to arrange to merchandise their products or you can develop your own True Foods™ brand (see below).
Can I develop my own True Foods™ verified program?
Yes, you can definitely develop your own brand standard. With consumer demand clearly growing towards value added and healthier choices, food companies are responding with products that seek to meet the desires of these food inspired customers while differentiating themselves in the marketplace. Please contact us with your ideas and we can help develop CFIA approved program protocols, develop the nutrition technology behind the developed protocols, recruit appropriate farms and liaise with appropriate processors in order to get the desired products on your shelves.