FAQ – Certification Marks

To be Aliments du Québec, products must be composed of 85% to 100% Quebec ingredients, as well as processed and packaged in Quebec. For Aliments préparés au Québec, products are composed of Quebec and/or imported ingredients, as well as processed and packaged in Quebec.

This depends on the origin of the ingredients. Each company has its own variety of products offered, and each product is evaluated individually to be assigned the appropriate certification mark.

If it does not grow here, it cannot receive the Aliments du Québec certification mark. However, if it is processed and packaged in Quebec, it may be granted the Aliments préparés au Québec certification mark.

An ingredient available in sufficient quantity is produced in large enough quantities in Quebec to be available to processors, thereby allowing them to produce their food products. For example: cranberry. Since Quebec produces enough cranberries for processors, it is therefore required in order to become Aliments préparés au Québec.

It depends on whether it is made with concentrate. Quebec does not produce enough apples for juice to meet the entire demand.

No, it is possible to have a product with a single ingredient (e.g., coffee) as it involves a processing activity carried out in Quebec.

Any processing activity deemed sufficient, such as cooking, fermentation, mixing, assembling, roasting, etc.

No, packaging or bottling activities are not considered sufficient for a certification mark to be granted. There must be an additional processing activity.

Yes! This is part of the mandatory criteria to be considered either “Aliments du Québec” or “Aliments préparés au Québec.” If the product requires packaging or bottling, these activities must be carried out in Quebec.

Yes, if the ingredients in the recipe come from Québec in its production. Examples: bread or canned corn.

As soon as there is a processing activity deemed sufficient taking place in Québec and the packaging is done locally, the spice blend becomes eligible.

The BIO certification marks from Aliments du Québec stem from a partnership with the Filière biologique du Québec and the Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV). These versions combine the production method (validated by the CARTV) with verification of origin (validated by Aliments du Québec), in order to provide a clear reference point for Québec consumers seeking products that align with their concerns and values.

It’s two assurances in one!