Advocacy –
Enforcement of the interim standard for PFAS in commercial biosolids
Effective October 18, 2024, the CFIA is enforcing the interim standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids imported or sold in Canada as fertilizers.
For more information, please consult T-4-132: PFAS standard for commercial biosolids imported or sold in Canada as fertilizers and the Notice to industry: Implementation of an interim standard for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercial biosolids.
Federal
Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) launches FoodAbility, a new program that aims to normalize disability inclusion in F&B manufacturing.
Canadian workers, the auto sector, the steel and aluminum industries, and related critical manufacturing supply chains are threatened by unfair competition from Chinese producers, who benefit from China’s intentional, state-directed policy of overcapacity and oversupply, as well as its lack of rigorous labour and environmental standards. The federal government has recently implemented a suite of tariffs (also known as surtaxes) on certain Chinese imports to level the playing field and protect Canada’s workers and businesses from China’s unfair trade policies.
Government reduces credit card fees by 27 per cent for small business owners – Canada.ca
Small businesses pay fees to process credit card transactions, with the largest component being the interchange fee paid to credit card-issuing financial institutions, such as banks. That is why the federal government negotiated and finalized new agreements with Visa and Mastercard, which also protect reward points offered to Canadians.
Food allergies drive consumer choice and loyalty in the Canadian dining scene. According to new research from Food Allergy Canada, 80% of people with food allergies and 44% of those without say that allergen management policies influence their decisions when choosing a restaurant.
Provincial
The Ontario government is celebrating the completion of the new centre for brain science at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The province has invested $60 million to support the state-of-the-art facility dedicated to brain science research and care, connecting those with complex mental health conditions to the care they need.
Ontario Protecting the Province’s Aquatic Biodiversity | Ontario Newsroom
The Ontario government is safeguarding Ontario’s biodiversity by ensuring commercial bait dealers and harvesters are licensed and in compliance with regulations.
The Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO) wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable hunting season and reminds everyone that a secure firearm is a safe firearm.
“A successful hunt starts with safety,” SFO Deputy Commissioner and Chief Firearms Officer Murray Cowan said. “Respect your firearm, respect wildlife, and respect the environment. Hunting is not just about the harvest; it is about preserving the balance of nature and returning home safely.”
People and businesses will continue to benefit from the ferry connecting Nova Scotia and Maine as the Province extends the service and commits to finding a long-term solution.
USA
Agricultural Research Service Develops Long-Term Roadmap for PFAS in U.S. Agriculture : USDA ARS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today announced several key outcomes from a workshop to develop a research roadmap that would lead to short and long-term science-based solutions to meet the emerging challenges posed by the discovery of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural soils and waters.
Hazardous Matters October December – 2024 | PHMSA
Hazardous Matters” is the quarterly newsletter for PHMSA’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS). As always, it is packed with the latest news, expert tips, and essential insights for the safe handling and shipment of hazardous materials. Stay informed, stay safe!
Safe Harbor Warnings for Acrylamide Exposure from Food – OEHHA
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has amended Title 27, California Code of Regulations 25607.2(b), to provide an additional safe harbor warning option for businesses that cause significant exposures to acrylamide from food products.
International
Use and impact of Codex standards: survey report out now! | CODEXALIMENTARIUS
The Use and impact of Codex texts – Report of the Codex Survey 2023 has been published, with insights into use by Codex Members of four key Codex texts: General Standard for Food Additives (CXS 192-1995) Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling (CXG 2 -1985) Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CXS 234-1999) Guidelines on Performance Criteria for Methods of Analysis for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Food and Feed (CXG 90-2017)
In its October meeting, the Member State Committee agreed to identify triphenyl phosphate as a substance of very high concern because of its endocrine disrupting properties in the environment. The substance will be added to the Candidate List in early November 2024.
Severe cases prompt French wild mushroom warning | Food Safety News
French authorities have again reported hundreds of poisonings linked to wild mushroom consumption
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) said more than 400 cases had been recorded since July.
China Expands Application of Genetically Modified Microorganisms Derived Products in Food Processing
On September 13, 2024, China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) released Requirements for Application Materials for Safety Evaluation of Genetically Modified Microorganisms Used in Food Processing (Trial), which allows genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) derived products without residual of exogenous genes and GMMs to be used as new food raw materials and new varieties of food-related products in addition to food additives.
Safety Share
Health Canada warns that baby walkers available online may pose a risk of injury – Canada.ca
Baby walkers are banned in Canada.
Children in baby walkers are exposed to hazards that would not normally be accessible if the child were not supported by the walker, posing a variety of risks of injury to the child. Children in baby walkers can also fall down the stairs, which could result in injury or death.
Events
Ask The Barcode Experts – Fall Webinar Series GS1 Canada
GS1 Canada is back with a new series of free education webinars for small business owners. Whether you are new to barcodes or a long-time subscriber, we’ll help you meet trading partners’ requirements with our trusted tools and support.
The fine balance of reformulation Registration (onlinexperiences.com) – Free Webinar October 29, 2024, 10am CDT
Governments are pushing the food industry to create healthier options. Food reformulation adjusts ingredients to reduce ‘harmful’ nutrients like salt and sugar but presents technical challenges
Register | The registration page. (omafrabdb-events.ca) – Free Webinar: Getting Retail Ready
November 14 at 10:00am EDT
Join the Government of Ontario in collaboration with Sheri Evans, Local Development Specialist from Sobeys, for a free webinar on November 14, 2024 at 10:00am. This webinar will include information on how to grow your brand into retail, what you need to know and what the next steps are.