Perceptions of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide: a qualitative study with parents from Southwestern Ontario

In January 2019, Health Canada released a revised Canada’s Food Guide (CFG). This study aimed to understand the perceptions of 2019 CFG among Canadian parents with children aged 2–12 years. From October 2019–January 2020, 8 focus groups from Southwestern Ontario were conducted using semi-structured interview script focused on understanding CFG. A hybrid thematic approach inductive and deductive analyses was used. Forty (72.5% mothers, 77.5% white) diverse levels education income participated. Most aware Positive that guide visually appealing less biased food industry compared previous guides. Parents also reported eating behaviours could support healthy their families. Negative included insufficient information about plant-based proteins, removal milk alternatives group, lack representation various cultures in guide. Challenges following recommendations, including time constraints limited knowledge regarding how identify prepare discussed. Parent can help inform public health policies behavioural-change strategies designed adherence recommendations. Novelty: Awareness (CFG) high. identified industry. Concerns recommendations “exclusion” dairies, cultural representation.