Advocacy
Livestock Feed Licence Applications
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is now accepting applications for livestock feed licences. To give time for you to apply for your licences before the requirement comes into effect on December 17, 2025 you can now apply for a livestock feed licence in My CFIA. However, your licences will not be issued before December 17, 2025.
To support licensing coming into effect on December 17, 2025 updated guidance on licensing is now available along with new guidance on how to request a feed licence:
| Licensing guidance: General overview Feeds Regulations, 2024How to request a livestock feeds licence |
We will hold a webinar on livestock feed licensing. More information on dates and how to register will follow in a separate email.
If your business needs a licence, you will first need to create a My CFIA account. My CFIA – User guidance can help you sign up for and manage your account.
Federal
In recognition of ongoing dialogue with the bulk fertilizer sector, the CFIA has further extended the compliance promotion period for bulk fertilizers until July 31, 2026. This extension allows additional time for discussion with industry on developing a path to compliant labelling (e.g. bilingual labels). Read the industry notice here.
While trade issues with the U.S. are dominating headlines, interprovincial trade is being modernized in Canada, and this will impact food safety regulations.
The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) has historically limited commerce and labour mobility. The federal government has overhauled this agreement to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. The key premise of the regulatory reform is that if it is safe for consumers and businesses in one province, then it should be safe in all provinces.
Food Law: The ongoing threat of raw milk consumption – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Raw milk continues to be in the news. Food-borne illnesses from the consumption of raw milk and raw milk products continue to pile up. In England, 30 people were hospitalized and one person died from eating raw milk cheese in February. In May, there was a major recall in Ireland when Shiga toxin E.coli (often called STEC) was found in a batch of raw milk cheese.
Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) Responds to Federal Budget 2025 – FBC
Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) welcomes the federal government’s continued recognition of the agri-food sector’s importance to Canada’s economic and food security in Budget 2025, including new tax credits, productivity-supporting measures, and investments in trade-enabling infrastructure. These initiatives are essential to spur investment, improve competitiveness, and ensure companies can meet growing domestic and international demand.
We are also encouraged to see the government commit to addressing greenwashing provisions in the Competition Act – an important step to ensure companies are not discouraged from investing in sustainability.
Clarity on greenhouse gas regulations – Canada.ca
Buyers of Canada’s resources increasingly expect them to be sourced and produced in ways that lower emissions and support sustainability. Clear, predictable regulations that lower our emissions protect our health and environment, give businesses the certainty to invest in ambitious projects, and make Canada a more competitive destination to do business.
PMRA Recent postings of consultations and decisions
The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is responsible for pesticide regulation in Canada. The public registry is where you can learn more about all pest control products registered for use in Canada.
- Quizalofop-ethyl (PMRL2025-24) Open consultation Posted: November 7, 2025
- Ethiprole (PMRL2025-23) Open consultation Posted: November 7, 2025
Provincial
Streamlined regulations help businesses grow, improve services
The Province is making 187 amendments to 38 regulations across 10 ministries to reduce red tape, improve permitting timelines and make government services more efficient and accessible.
Ontario Celebrates Agricultural Excellence | Ontario Newsroom
The Government of Ontario is proud to recognize 12 winners and 7 honourable mentions of the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. Presented across 10 categories, these awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are strengthening Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector.
Water conservation efforts continue
New Brunswickers are urged to keep conserving water as winter nears.
Surface and groundwater levels remain well below normal, and frozen ground limits absorption. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said ongoing conservation is vital to protect water supplies through the colder months.
USA
Five years of USDA data reveal widespread poultry contamination | Food Safety News
A new report by Farm Forward analyzes five years of monthly U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection data from major poultry plants — and the findings are alarming. Poultry plants producing chicken for household brands like Foster Farms, Costco and Perdue, routinely exceed the federal government’s maximum allowable levels of salmonella contamination.
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula (November 2025) | FDA
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of 13 infant botulism illnesses from 10 states.
FDA has been in contact with the firm and has recommended the firm conduct a voluntary recall due to the number of cases, severity of illness, and the strong epidemiological signal. Today, ByHeart, Inc. agreed to initiate a recall of the two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant formula (Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 and Lot: 206VABP/251131P2) that were reported to have been consumed by the infants. FDA is continuing to work with the firm to ensure all potentially impacted product is removed from the market.
Food Industry Stakeholders Share Input on FDA, USDA’s Intent to Define UPFs | Food Safety
The RFI closed for comment on October 23, with mixed responses from food system stakeholders. Meat industry representatives, such as the National Chicken Council (NCC) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), discouraged FDA and USDA from legally defining UPFs. On the other hand, consumer protection organizations, such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), expressed support for addressing UPFs—with some caveats, and while providing specific input on how the category should be defined.
USDA-FSIS Now Includes Gluten in Major Allergen Verification Activities | Food Safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has reissued its directive to inspectors about verification activities for major allergens to include gluten.
Antimicrobial Peptides Stave Off Salmonella in Chickens | The Scientist
Antibiotic use in farm animals helps mitigate foodborne illness but contributes to antibiotic resistance. Small, bacteria-targeting peptides could solve both problems.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Ohio State University have identified two antimicrobial peptides from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG that significantly reduce Salmonella Typhimurium in chickens without affecting gut microbial diversity.
International
Nestle is cutting 16,000 jobs globally as the Swiss food giant cuts costs as part of its efforts to revive its financial performance.
Nestle, which makes Nescafe drinks, Purina pet food and other products, said Thursday that the job cuts will take place over the next two years. The Swiss company also said that it is raising targeted cost cuts to 3 billion Swiss francs (US$3.76 billion) by the end of next year, up from a planned 2.5 billion Swiss francs (US$3.13 billion).
One Health. One Planet. Our Responsibility.
Time for action: A Joint Statement of the EU Cross-agency One Health Task
Force and the European and Central Asia Quadripartite on One Health
FAO stresses importance of water safety in fish sector | Food Safety News
Water plays a critical role in ensuring food safety in the fisheries sector, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Findings come from a report focusing on strategies to minimize microbiological risks and promote public health through effective water management practices.
Safety Share
Holiday countdown: keep employees safe with this 8-point checklist
The seasonal rush of customers is good news for retailers, but can raise injury risks for employees working faster, harder and longer to meet demands. More customers can also mean greater potential for exposure to respiratory illnesses and violence and harassment.
“New and young employees, who often fill temporary positions, are particularly vulnerable to injuries and bullying,” says WSPS Partnerships Account Manager David Smith..
Events
Day 1: Tue, Nov 18th 10:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
Day 2: Wed, Nov. 19th 10- 11:30 a.m. ET and 2-3:30 p.m. ET
Day 3: Thu, Nov. 20th 10- 11:30 a.m. ET and 2-3:30 p.m. ET
The FDA will host, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry, consumer groups, healthcare professionals, individual firms, retailers, and academic researchers, a virtual public meeting followed by virtual listening sessions to help inform the FDA’s next steps, prioritize potential options, and advance our food allergen threshold approaches to benefit public health.
The FDA will review input received at the public meeting, in listening sessions, and in response to a Regulations.gov docket to determine next steps.
Save the date: PFAS Roundtable
The PFAS Roundtable will take place on December 2, 2025, as a virtual half-day workshop.
- Session 1: Updates for all stakeholders on recent work related to PFAS.
- Session 2: A focused discussion with selected stakeholders on Phase 1 proposed risk management to address PFAS in firefighting foams that are not currently regulated.
We look forward to your participation. Please hold the date – full details and registration information will follow at a later date through the Risk management of the class of PFAS subscription service:
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/management-toxic-substances/subscribe-risk-management-class-pfas.html
CARM webinars
Did you know? Registering on the CARM Client Portal
A podcast-style webinar that explains the process for setting up individual and business accounts in the CARM Client Portal, along with valuable trouble shooting tips. This sessions is for those experiencing difficulty onboarding to the CARM portal.
| Webinar sessions | ||||
| Language | Date | Time | Registration | |
| English | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | |
| English | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | |
| English | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | |
| English | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | |
| French | Wednesday, November 18, 2025 | 11 am to 11:45 am ET | Register | |
| French | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | |
Did you know? Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program
A short-form webinar that provides an overview of delegation of authority in the CARM Client Portal and the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program. This session will explain how to delegate authority to employees and third-party service providers, as well as financial security requirements and how to enroll in RPP.
| Webinar sessions | |||||
| Language | Date | Time | Registration | ||
| English | Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | ||
| English | Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | ||
| English | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | ||
| English | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | ||
| French | Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 11 am to 11:45 am ET | Register | ||
| French | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 1 pm to 1:45 pm ET | Register | ||
Indoor AgTech 2025 November 12 | December 3
The Indoor AgTech Broadcast Series is approaching, and you don’t want to miss it!
Across two 90-minute broadcasts, CEA experts will share their perspectives on strategies for sustainable growth, covering topics such as investment risks, scaling challenges, strategic partnerships, government policies, and paths to profitability.
In addition to high-level keynotes and partner presentations, the series will feature interactive panel discussions. As an attendee, you have the opportunity to pose questions to our expert guests at the moment of registration.
Make sure to secure your spot!
Information sessions on regulatory amendments relating to fresh fruits and vegetables
On October 8, 2025, the Government of Canada published the Regulations Amending the Health of Animals Regulations and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Reducing Red Tape and Supporting Resilience – Import Reference Document, Hatcheries and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables) in Canada Gazette, Part II.
The CFIA published the overview of changes to help stakeholders navigate the changes, and has updated it to provide further clarity for fresh fruits and vegetables destined for manufacturing, processing or preserving.
The CFIA invites you to attend virtual information sessions regarding the regulatory changes. These sessions will be held on:
Session dates and details:
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm EST (English)
Join on MS Teams
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST (French)
Join on MS Teams
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French