Newsletter – June 23, 2025

Advocacy –

New tools for heat treatment
Notice to industry : Publishing of the 11th edition of PI-07
The CFIA is proud to announce the approval of new heat treatment methods for wood. The CFIA, in collaboration with its partners, including industry, has approved two new treatment options that use core probes to ensure that wood reaches a temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes, in accordance with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15).
These new, scientifically-backed options will enable forestry companies and those producing wood packaging materials to be more competitive, achieve better yields when heat treating, and consequently, save time and energy.
Interested companies should contact their alternative service delivery organisation for details on how to implement these new options.

Federal

Notice to industry: Manitoba dairy herd declared infected with bovine tuberculosis – inspection.canada.ca
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched an investigation into a case of bovine tuberculosis in an animal originating from the Pembina Valley Region of Manitoba that was slaughtered at a federally registered abattoir in Manitoba.Food animal information document for poultry – Section 4.1 Update

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated section 4.1 of Food animal information document for poultry on May 27, 2025.
For vaccines not licensed in Canada but administered to live birds or in-ovo fertilized eggs before importing them into Canada, the withdrawal times on the vaccine labels approved in the exporting country are acceptable. Supporting documentation, such as the vaccine label attesting the approved withdrawal period, must be included with the flock sheet to confirm proper administration of the vaccine.
For more information, please contact your local CFIA office or email CFIA at CFIA.MeatHygienePrograms-ProgrammesHygieneViandes.ACIA@inspection.gc.ca.

The Government of Canada would like to inform you of the following

Lassonde targets 20 per cent GHG emissions cut by 2030 – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Lassonde has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing its progress and ongoing commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibility.
The report highlights that 99.6 per cent of Lassonde’s packaging is now recyclable, and the company is working to increase the amount of recycled content used in its products. It has also set a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 per cent by 2030—an absolute reduction for scope 1 and 2 emissions, and an intensity reduction for scope 3 emissions.

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.

• Methyl Bromide (RVD2025-02)  Decision Posted: June 19, 2025
• Methyl Bromide (SRD2025-01)  Decision Posted: June 19, 2025
• Linuron (PMRL2025-07)  Open Consultation Posted: June 17, 2025
• Tea Tree Oil, Timorex Gold (PRD2025-03)  Open Consultation Posted: June 11, 2025

Provincial

BC Gov News
A B.C. environmental assessment certificate has been issued to Teck Highland Valley Copper Partnership for the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension (HVC) project near Logan Lake, following a joint decision by provincial ministers.

Ontario Investing $13 Million to Protect Workers in Niagara Region | Ontario Newsroom
Skills Development Fund investments will train over 9,000 workers in the region for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs

Ontario Supporting Grape Growers and Wineries | Ontario Newsroom
The Ontario government is supporting grape growers and wineries by adding 24 new grape varieties to Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) certified wine. These new grapes were approved because of the high quality of wines they produce, their resistance to extreme temperatures and their lower dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

USA

Kraft Heinz joins other companies in moving away from artificial food dyes | Food Safety News
Kraft Heinz plans to remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products starting in 2027 and will no longer launch new products with the dyes.
In a statement released June 17 the company said almost 90 percent of its U.S. products already don’t contain food, drug and cosmetic colors, but that the products that do still use the dyes will have them removed by the end of 2027.
 
Slowing malaria by treating mosquitoes | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Malaria deaths declined significantly early in the 21st century. Insecticide-treated bed nets played a large role by killing the mosquitoes that spread malaria. But this decline has stalled in recent years due to the growing resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides used in bed nets.
 
Sugar substitute could disrupt brain blood flow, researchers warn | Food Safety News
A recently published study in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that erythritol, a widely used non-nutritive sweetener in sugar-free and low-calorie foods, may impair brain vascular cell function and potentially increase the risk of stroke.
 
Rollins and RFK Jr. promise that USDA and HHS will issue new dietary guidelines soon | Food Safety News
A “dawn of a new day” is promised for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. According to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, it hasn’t happened yet, but will soon.
The federal government revises the dietary guidelines every five years, and the previous administration began that process in 2024. However, in February, Rolins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced that USDA and HHS would continue working on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which USDA and HHS jointly issue.

International

All news – ECHA
The Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) progressed their evaluation of the proposed restriction on PFAS. Additionally, RAC adopted an opinion on the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of Bisphenol A to protect workers.
 
FAO makes progress on water quality and foresight work | Food Safety News
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has held two meetings recently looking at chemicals in water and the use of foresight in food safety.
 
EUIPO campaign puts focus on counterfeit food | Food Safety News
A European agency has started a campaign to raise awareness and protect consumers from fake food and beverages.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) “What’s on your table?” campaign covers the 27 EU member states.
Recent reports indicate counterfeiting in the food and drink sector continues to pose significant risks to the health of consumers.

Safety Share

Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health: Overview – Canada.ca
We never want to think about wildfire smoke hitting close to home, but the reality is, it can happen. Smoke may be carried thousands of kilometres from the fire zone. This means smoke can impact air quality in areas close to and far from the wildfire.
That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place and know if you or someone you care about might be at risk.

Events

Home | Natural Food Trends in the US    FREE Webinar June 26, 2025 10am EDT
Join the Government of Ontario in collaboration with the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) for a free webinar to explore trends and opportunities in the natural food and beverage industry in the US, upcoming industry events, as well as services and member benefits offered by COTA.

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.

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.



What You Need to Know about CARM
A webinar created to provide key information for trade chain partners looking to conduct business in the CARM Client Portal. It covers obtaining a business number and RM program account, how to create a Commercial Accounting Declaration, and explains the billing cycle and payments. We will touch on the Release Prior to Payment Program and temporary importations before ending with a question and answer period.

Registration is required for this webinar.