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Classification of Maple Syrup
There are two types of classifications for maple syrup: the federal government classification and that of the provincial governments. Quebec's maple farmers have the option of following either of the two regulations in effect. However, they must abide by federal regulations when exporting their product to another province or country.
Federal Classification
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) governs the food safety and quality of maple products in Canada and is responsible for the "federal" classification of maple syrup. This classification standard includes three categories and five grades of syrup:
Canada #1 (Extra light, Light, Medium)
Canada #2 (Amber)
Canada #3 (Dark) and syrups from any other category with flavour flaws
Category No.1
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Extra light
Light
Medium
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In order to be classified as "Canada No. 1” category, maple syrup must meet the standards of section 5 of the Canadian food regulations, and:
a) must not ferment;
b) must have a clear and uniform colour;
c) its colour grade must be Extra Light, Light, or Medium; and it
d) must have a maple flavour that is typical of its colour grade, and be free of any unpleasant odours or flavours.
* Maple products regulations (C.R.C., ch 289)
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Category
No. 2
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Amber |
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In order to be classified as "Canada No. 2” category, maple syrup must meet the standards of section 5 of the Canadian food regulations, and:
a) must not ferment;
b) must have a clear and uniform colour;
c) its colour grade must be Amber, and it
d) must have a maple flavour that is typical of its colour grade, and be free of any unpleasant odours or flavours.
* Maple products regulations (C.R.C., ch 289)
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Category
No. 3 |
Dark, or any other ungraded category
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+
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In order to be classified as "Canada No. 3” category, maple syrup must meet the standards of section 5 of the Canada food regulations, have a typical maple syrup flavour and:
a) must not ferment;
b) must have a clear and uniform colour;
c) its colour grade must be Extra Light, Light, Medium, Amber or Dark;
d) must be free of any unpleasant odours or flavours, but must contain traces of caramel, plant bud or sap flavours.
* Maple products regulations (C.R.C., ch 289)
| Source: Table provided by the Fédération des producteurs acéricoles du Québec; contents provided by the CFIA
Provincial Classification The government of Quebec has issued Maple Products Regulations which establish two categories and five colour classes for maple syrup according to clarity, density and characteristic maple flavour, while ensuring the product meets all quality standards.
The categories and colour classes are detailed in the following table. The provincial regulations require that Dark maple syrup be used only for industrial purposes.
Source: Table provided by the Fédération des producteurs acéricoles du Québec; contents provided by MAPAQ
 Federal and provincial classifications are based on maple syrup's degree of light transmission, measured by a visual method involving a spectrophotometer. |
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