Advocacy
Temporary licence conditions to mitigate the risk of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 contamination in romaine lettuce available on the Canadian marketplace will be in effect from September 24, 2026, to December 17, 2026.
As in previous years, importers of romaine lettuce and/or salad mixes containing romaine lettuce must obtain and retain a Proof of Origin demonstrating that the product does not originate from the California counties of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Benito and Monterey in the Salinas Valley, United States.
Consult the Temporary import requirements for romaine lettuce from the United States for additional information on these temporary licence conditions and other import requirements applicable to romaine lettuce from the United States.
Federal
European Union (EU) – Update to food packaging requirements
As of 20 July 2026, new EU Regulation 2024/3190 prohibit the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols and derivatives in food contact materials placed on the EU market.
For additional information, you are encouraged to review the Note of Guidance on this regulation, which includes applicable transition periods and application dates.
CFIA’s EU export requirements pages for affected products will be updated accordingly.
Canada Border Services Agency: Gordie Howe International Bridge Port of Entry – Canada.ca
The Gordie Howe International Bridge port of entry connects Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan, and will transform how trade moves through this corridor. It is Canada’s newest, largest and most technologically advanced land border crossing and will enhance border security while facilitating efficient, reliable cross-border movement.
F&B industry responds to Canada’s National Food Security Strategy – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
On June 11, Canada launched its new National Food Security Strategy to address the structural causes of food insecurity across the country.
The strategy has four stated objectives, spur grocery store competition and create more choice for Canadians, boost domestic food production across Canada, grow fruits and vegetables year-round and cut red tape across the agricultural supply chain.
The responses from Canadian food and beverage associations have been mixed, drawing both praise and demands for additional details.
Animal Feed – Policy and Procedures Updates
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is consulting on the following single ingredient feed descriptions:
We are seeking comments on these proposed descriptions by August 24, 2026.
The real story behind Canadian eggs – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Learn about the care that goes into Canadian egg farming and what that means for the Canadian eggs you buy.
Provincial
Ontario Modernizing Immigration Program to Fill In-Demand Jobs | Ontario Newsroom
Ontario is transforming the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to better align immigration with labour market needs and with a clear focus on addressing critical workforce shortages across key sectors of the economy. The redesigned OINP will streamline the existing eight streams into four, strengthening eligibility requirements, reducing duplication and creating clearer, more efficient pathways for applicants and employers.
FGF Brands acquires Metro’s Première Moisson plant – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
FGF Brands acquire Première Moisson Group’s production facility in Baie-D’Urfé, Que., for $90 million.
Ontario Opens Nominations for 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards | Ontario Newsroom
he Ontario government is opening nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Awards, to recognize the outstanding efforts of the province’s agri-food leaders. These awards recognize the achievements of Ontario’s world-class farmers, processors, industry organizations and businesses that protect the province’s food independence and make Ontario’s nearly $53 billion agri-food industry a global leader in food production.
USA
FDA Takes Further Steps to Remove Outdated Authorizations for Color Additives in Food | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced two actions targeting petroleum-based color additives in food, continuing the agency’s broader efforts to Make America Healthy Again. The FDA is issuing a final order revoking the authorized use of Orange B as a color additive in food and is proposing to revoke the authorized use of Citrus Red No. 2 as a color additive in food.
FDA Imports: Submit Your Application in the VQIP Portal for FY2027 Benefits
The application window for the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) portal for fiscal year 2027 benefits will close on September 1, 2026. VQIP is a fee-based program that offers importers an opportunity to expedite the review and importation process of human and animal foods into the United States by demonstrating and maintaining control over the safety and security of their supply chains.
he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reminding businesses that it is important they register their food facilities with the FDA only when required and to protect their Food Facility Registration (FFR) information from potential misuse.
The FDA has become aware of a number of issues regarding when registration is required and potential misuse of FFR.
Solid ozone technology targets food waste and safety challenges
Onza Corp introduced FreshSure, a crystallized ozone sachet that slowly releases ozone during handling, transport, storage and retail distribution, and is undergoing commercial trials in three countries. The company says the portable, low-cost approach can limit microbial contamination, delay ripening, lessen spoilage and support food safety, and may later expand into healthcare, sanitation, water treatment and consumer products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially updated the Standard of Identity (SOI) for pasteurized orange juice to enable juice manufacturers to continue to source oranges from Florida citrus growers, whose fruit have been affected by natural causes in recent years, making it difficult to meet the decades-old Brix standard.
International
New laser technology could detect counterfeit alcohol – Food & Beverage Industry News
A laser-based technology being developed at Adelaide University could help authorities detect counterfeit alcohol, identify wine fraud and analyse the contents of sealed bottles without opening them.
The World Health Organization (WHO) today marks the 25th anniversary of Research4Life, a public-private partnership that provides researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers in low- and middle-income countries with affordable or free access to scientific knowledge. The partnership has helped dramatically expand access to scientific knowledge for researchers, educators, health professionals and policy-makers in more than 120 countries.
FAO’s Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation is approved
A key global plan for the livestock sector developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) won approval today as Members of the 30th Session of FAO’s Committee on Agriculture (COAG) adopted the framework.
Safety Share
Did you know that one of the leading causes of death in children ages 1 to 4 is drowning? Carefully supervise your children, secure the area around your backyard pool and teach your children about water safety. This can help prevent serious injuries and death.
Events
Food Safety Trends and Preparing for Change Thursday, August 27, 2026 10:00 am EDT
The food industry is facing an increasingly complex risk landscape—ranging from foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls to supply chain disruptions and evolving regulations.
Join NSF’s upcoming webinar and learn how to stay ahead with data-driven insights and real-world expertise.
Beyond Sanitation: Understanding the Hidden System Conditions That Allow Pathogens to Persist Registration August 6, 2026 2pm EDT
Despite significant investments in cleaning and sanitation, many food manufacturers continue to experience recurring contamination events and persistent environmental pathogens.
The challenge is often not a single sanitation failure, but a combination of hidden system conditions that allow microorganisms to survive, spread, or reappear over time.