Newsletter – July 21 2025

Advocacy

SQFI | Collaborative Food Safety Evolution: SQF Edition 10 Shaped by Industry Voices
In Q3 2025, the food safety world will reach a major milestone with the release of SQF Edition 10, a comprehensive update designed to elevate food safety practices across the industry. This groundbreaking edition introduces enhancements that will reshape how food manufacturers approach food safety culture, change management, and continuous improvement. See the SQF Institute website to learn more, including training opportunities.

Federal

Enhanced product testing for patulin by Japan
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is notifying Canadian producers and exporters of apple juice products (including apple cider) and apple juice for production of apple juice products (including apple cider) of enhanced monitoring by Japan. Effective July 1, 2025, Japan implemented an enhanced monitoring program to sample and test 30% of all shipments of these products from Canada for the presence of patulin.
This program was initiated by Japan due to the detection of excess patulin in a single shipment of apple cider from Canada. The CFIA is following up on the non-compliant shipment identified by Japan.
Both Canada and Japan have a maximum allowable level of patulin in these products of 0.05 ppm. If an additional non-compliance is identified by Japan in either apple juice products (including apple cider) or apple juice for production of apple juice products (including apple cider) that are exported from Canada, Japan will increase its monitoring to 100% of all imported products in this category.


Consulting on the Future of Chemicals Management in Canada
The strategy to replace, reduce or refine the vertebrate animal testing under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) was published. The What we heard report for the consultation on the draft strategy was also published.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/consulting-future-chemicals-management-canada.html#close

Risk Management of Chemical Substances
The Plan of Priorities under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) was published.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/canada-approach-chemicals/risk-management.html

Right to a Healthy Environment
The Final Implementation Framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) was published.
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/right-to-healthy-environment.html

Chemicals Management Plan Multi-Stakeholder and Partner Workshop:
The summary report was published.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/chemicals-management-plan/initiatives/multi-stakeholder-partner-workshop-summary-report-october-2024.html

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.

• Consultation on revised procedures for the registration of pesticides for emergency use (PRO2025-03)  Open Consultation Posted: July 16, 2025
• Pest Management Regulatory Agency Re-evaluation and Special Review Work Plan 2025-2030 (REV2025-01)  Decision Posted: July 15, 2025

Provincial

Local leaders speak out as Kerry to close Ontario plant – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
A food processing plant in Woodstock, Ont., is set to close its doors later this year.
Officials with Kerry, a multinational with interests in food, beverage, biotechnology, pharma and proactive health industries, say the company is transferring operations from its Woodstock facility to other sites.
 
WorkSafeNB | WorkSafeNB Releases 2024 Annual Report Showcasing Historic Gains
WorkSafeNB has released its 2024 Annual Report, revealing a landmark year in workplace health and safety that has set a new national benchmark. From achieving the lowest injury frequency rate in Canada to delivering performance refunds for the first time ever to employers and benefit improvements for injured workers, the report highlights New Brunswick’s growing reputation as the safest place to work and do business in the country.
 
New program encourages growth for Prince Edward Island’s horticulture industry | Government of Prince Edward Island
A new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) program is now available to Prince Edward Island horticulture producers to help diversify crops, adapt to changing climates, and increase the supply of Island food products in markets across Canada.

USA

FDA Approves Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3 | FDA
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the last two months.
 
FDA to Revoke 52 Obsolete Standards of Identity for Food Products | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it is revoking, or proposing to revoke, 52 food standards after concluding they are obsolete and unnecessary. The 52 standards are for canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, macaroni products and other foods.
 
Secretary Rollins Announces New Plan to Bolster Meat and Poultry Safety | Home
This plan better positions USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is responsible for ensuring meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled, to protect the nation’s food supply. FSIS will continue to work in close collaboration with partners like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the safety of the entire food supply chain.
 
FDA ends exemptions for small shipments, tightens oversight on ALL IMPORTS
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rescinded previous guidance that allowed certain FDA-regulated products under the $800 de minimis threshold to bypass full regulatory review.
As of July 9, all FDA-regulated imports, regardless of value or quantity, must be submitted for full FDA screening.
 
Portable, Rapid Sensor Can Simultaneously Detect Microbiological, Chemical Food Contaminants | Food Safety
Developed by scientists from the University of Texas at Dallas, EnliSense’s READ FWDx—short for Rapid Electroanalytic Diagnostic Food Water Diagnosis—is a novel, compact rapid sensor that can detect microbiological and chemical food contaminants, such as dangerous pathogens, toxic pesticides, and antibiotics. The developers hope their proof-of-concept device will one day be used in both processing facilities and at home to screen for food safety

International

EU to boost biotechnology
Food biotechnology is central to its strategy

EU to ban some ‘meaty’ names for plant-based
A proposal to restrict the marketing for meat substitutes leaves some names in the clear

Safety Share

Recreational water and health: Protecting your health – Canada.ca
A swim in the pool is very cool, but so is a swim in the river!
Before you go out though, check for any potential hazards in the area, such as:
•             local swimming advisories
•             strong currents
•             deep waters close to shore
Get more recreational water safety tips

Events
 
Beyond the Binder: Digital Management of Food Safety Registration  July 22, 2025 3:00pm EDT
Managing food safety with pen and paper is no longer adequate in today’s digitally connected supply chain. Many food businesses are going “beyond the binder,” utilizing digital food safety management systems (FSMS) to reduce food contamination and ensure compliance.
 
Pollen Food allergy  Syndrome Webinar Registration  Free Webinar Food Allergy Canada  Wed, Aug 20, 2025  12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
When nature cross-reacts: A closer look at pollen food allergy syndrome – diagnosis, management, and treatment.

Allergens in Retail: Are You Prepared?  August 12, 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
In the competitive world of food retail, poor allergen management can put your customers’ health and your business’s reputation at risk.
Join this webinar where we will address key aspects to ensure safe, responsible, and compliant management.

CARM: Did you Know?  Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program

This short-form information session provides an overview of delegation of authority in the CARM Client Portal and the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program.  We will go over how to delegate authority to employees and third-party service providers, as well as financial security requirements and how to enroll in RPP.

Registration is required for this webinar. If you would like to listen to a recording of this webinar, it can be found on the CARM Google Drive.


CARM: Did you Know?  Registering on the CARM Client Portal

This podcast-style webinar offers a step-by-step overview of the process for setting up individual and business accounts in the CARM Client Portal, along with valuable trouble shooting tips. For anyone having difficulty onboarding to the CARM portal, this webinar is for you.

Registration is required for this webinar. If you would like to listen to a recording of this webinar, it can be found on the CARM Google Drive.