Advocacy
On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a four-month extension to the transition periods for the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). As a result, the new U.S. compliance deadline for hazardous mixtures has changed, from July 19, 2027, to November 19, 2027. Health Canada recognizes the significance of this extension, especially for stakeholders managing cross-border supply chains.
In Canada, the three-year transition period for updating product classifications, safety data sheets, and labels to comply with the amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) ended on December 14, 2025. Since December 15, 2025, all hazardous products in Canada are required to be fully compliant with the amended HPR.
As part of the Government of Canada’s red tape reduction efforts, Health Canada announced and remains committed to focusing on compliance promotion of the HPR with regulated parties until the end of the applicable U.S. transition period, which is now extended to November 19, 2027. Please note that Health Canada retains the authority to take measures to induce or compel compliance at any time with the HPR, if warranted.
Health Canada remains committed to the objectives of the Canada–U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council, including aligned implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicalsin both countries. The Department will continue to support Canadian businesses in meeting their regulatory obligations.
Please contact whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca if you have questions.
Federal
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grade Requirements – Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation
On February 6, 2026, the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation published the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grade Requirements, a document incorporated by reference into the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. A link to the new document is also available in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)’s Inventory of documents incorporated by reference
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is closing seven of its 20 research operations across Canada as the federal government looks to eliminate public service jobs.
Research centres in Guelph, Ont., Quebec City, Que., and Lacombe, Alta., are set to close, as are satellite research farms in Scott and Indian Head, Sask., Portage La Praire, Man., and Nappan, N.S.
Hain Celestial sells its North American snacks business, including Garden Veggie Snacks, Terra chips and Garden of Eatin’ snacks, to Snackruptors, a Canadian, family-owned snacks manufacturer, for US$115 million in cash.
As global trade conditions evolve and supply chains face increasing complexity, the Government of Canada is taking action to help Ontario businesses strengthen their trade readiness and competitiveness in key export markets.
Provincial
Five examiners, three instructors charged in Ontario commercial driver exam fraud case – Truck News
The eight people arrested for fraudulent activities linked to commercial driver examinations in Kingston, Ont., and the Greater Toronto Area, include five driving examiners and three driving instructors, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
Coke Canada Bottling unveils new Calgary warehouse – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Coke Canada Bottling officially opens its new high-density, technology-enabled warehouse at its Calgary facility, representing a $75 million investment and the largest made by the company since becoming an independent, family owned Canadian bottler in 2018.
With PacifiCan’s investment, Loaves and Fishes will establish a centralized food recovery and distribution warehouse in Nanaimo. The newly designed 24,000 square foot facility will feature expanded storage capacity and modernized loading bays.
Drinking water quality guidelines updated
Updated drinking water quality guidelines are now in effect, aligning New Brunswick’s standards with those established by Health Canada.
USA
FDA: Oversight Responsibilities and Funding from Fiscal Years 2008 through 2024 | U.S. GAO
FDA has struggled to recruit, retain, and train its staff, which has reduced its capacity to conduct inspections. For example, it wasn’t able to complete as many drug manufacturing facility inspections in 2023 as it had in prior years.
USDA Public Meeting: Exploring Practical Strategies to Reduce Salmonella in Poultry Products
Pesentation information found at the link above
FDA Takes New Approach to “No Artificial Colors” Claims | FDA
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took additional steps to support the transition of our nation’s food supply from the use of artificial petroleum-based colors to alternatives derived from natural sources.
The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) has published a set of governing principles for food formulation and processing classification systems. The principles are intended to guide researchers and decision-makers in navigating controversy and confusion surrounding food processing and formulation.
International
European Chemical Agency Work Program_2026-2028
In 2026, the Agency focuses on new tasks, such as the One Substance, One Assessment package, Common Data Platform on Chemicals and work under the Drinking Water and Toys Directives.
Global Salmonellosis Cases, Mortality Rose Significantly in Last Three Decades | Food Safety
A new analysis of global foodborne illness data published in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease has found that the number of invasive non-typhoidal (iNT) Salmonella cases has risen by 46 percent since 1990, along with a 27 percent increase in mortality. Significant regional disparities were noted.
FAO/WHO Call for Experts to Support Microbiological Risk Assessment for Infant Formula | Food Safety
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued a call for experts and data on microbiological risk assessment for powdered formula for infants and young children, with the ultimate goal of updating Codex Alimentarius standards.
Safety Share
Winter sports and recreation safety – Canada.ca
Cold Canadian winters are great for fun activities like ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowboarding. Follow these safety tips to stay safe while enjoying winter sports and activities.
Events
The GFSI Conference, set for March 24-26, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada, will bring together more than 600 experts and business leaders from more than 40 countries to find ways to ensure greater action on food safety challenges.
To find out more about the conference and register, click here.
Information sessions
There will be two information sessions on the 2025 Regulations and updates to the Order amending the ECL. To register, please complete the following form before February 16, 2026:
English – February 20, 2026 at 13:30 EST – English session registration form
French – February 19, 2026 at 13:30 EST – French session registration form
You are invited to submit your questions in advance of the sessions either within the registration form or by emailing interdiction-prohibition@ec.gc.ca with the subject line “Information session – Question on the 2025 Regulations and/or the Order”.
Safety Connection: Working For Workers Act – Where Are We Now | WSPS
FREE Webinar 8-Apr-2026 10:30 am EST 1.5 hours
In this session we will review why the working for workers acts were created, and all of the OHSA and Regulation changes that have occurred though the working for workers act releases. The session will also provide guidance and tips to help Employers navigate and implement the various updates and changes.
Webinar Registration – Zoom Food Safety Webinar Series February 18, 2026, 12 noon ET
Please join us for the third webinar in our FDA and Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness co-hosted Food Safety Culture Webinar Series.
Webinar #3: Live Your Values Day by Day
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