Advocacy
Reminder: Front-of-package nutrition labelling deadline January 1, 2026
As stated in the Implementation plan for amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (Nutrition Symbols, Other Labelling Provisions, Vitamin D and Hydrogenated Fats or Oils), the end of transition for the Front-of-package (FOP) regulations is December 31, 2025.
The CFIA has not issued, nor does it intend to issue, enforcement discretion for the FOP labelling requirements beyond January 1, 2026. Refer to the Notice to industry – Compliance and enforcement approach for front-of-package nutrition labelling effective January 1, 2026 published on November 17, 2025.
Effective January 1, 2026, all food labels must fully comply with the new FOP labelling requirements. However, products that were imported, manufactured in Canada, or packaged at retail before that date can still be sold and remain on store shelves. Products imported, manufactured in Canada, or packaged at retail on or after January 1, 2026, will be subject to the standard regulatory response process.
Following the end of the transition period, should non-compliances be identified during inspections, the regulated party will be given time to make corrections within the established timeframe to complete corrective actions that corresponds to the severity of the non-compliance.
Federal
Singapore – Export requirements for fish and seafood – inspection.canada.ca
Please be advised that the certification requirements for the export of fish and seafood to Singapore have been updated. Additional attestations are required on the Certificate of Origin and Hygiene (CFIA/ACIA 5003) for the following 5 products: live oysters, frozen oysters, frozen blood cockle meat, frozen cooked prawns, and frozen raw/ cooked crabmeat.
RMD-25-01: Emerald ash borer management in Canada – inspection.canada.ca
With most of the ash (Fraxinus spp.) population being infested in Eastern Canada and the pest continuing to spread, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) intends to reevaluate its management strategy for the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), and consult with partners, industry, stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples on the best way forward.
The CFIA will review the feedback received through this consultation and make a final decision in early 2026. Any resulting changes are expected to be implemented in March 2026.
How to participate:
Review the risk management document and send your written comments to forestry-foresterie@inspection.gc.ca by November 30, 2025.
Trade resiliency beyond the U.S. market | EDC
Canadian Exporters, Build your trade resilience by expanding your business internationally. Download this guide from Export Development Canda (EDC) to find out how.
The Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and professional services firm MNP recently released the second edition of the Global Agri-Food Most Influential Nations Ranking report, which evaluates the competitiveness of G20 nations in the global food and beverage sector. Canada, which was placed 13th last year, has moved up to seventh position.
Sour Puss moves production to Quebec – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Phillips Distilling Company, a Minnesota-based company and owner of the Sour Puss brand, is moving full production of the liqueur sold in Canada north of the border. Production will be carried out in partnership with Station 22 Distillery in Montreal.
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.
- Cellulose (RVD2025-09) Decision Posted: November 19, 2025
- Carbon dioxide (RVD2025-08) Decision Posted: November 19, 2025
- Spidoxamat (PMRL2025-27) Open consultation Posted: November 18, 2025
- Spidoxamat, Velancor, Plenexos Smart, Plenexos Care (PRD2025-15) Open consultation Posted: November 18, 2025
Provincial
Ongoing Quebec heavy truck enforcement campaign doles out 2,000 tickets – Truck News
More than 1,600 heavy trucks were pulled over by Quebec police forces in October, as part of a Heavy Vehicle Surveillance Plan 2025-2026.
About 2,000 tickets were given out as part of the program, which continues to run until 2026, announced Sûreté du Québec in a press release.
Manitoba-based companies are filling gaps in Canadian markets, growing the economy, and contributing to accessible medical care.
Ontario Welcomes $3.2 Billion Investment by Vianode in St. Thomas | Ontario Newsroom
The Ontario government has secured an investment of $3.2 billion from Vianode, a leading global manufacturer of synthetic graphite, to establish a new, state-of-the-art facility in St. Thomas.
Funding for Forestry Innovation Projects | Government of Nova Scotia News Releases
The Forestry Innovation Transition Trust is investing $1.8 million to assist private landowners and forest contractors in finding new markets for underutilized wood fibre and to support sustainable forestry management.
USA
Sometimes, incremental cleaning isn’t enough. That’s when food and beverage processors need what Jared Torgeson, vice president at PureLine Solutions, calls a “clean break.”
Chlorine dioxide appeals to food and beverage facility operators as a sanitizing agent in part because it leaves no residue behind. It also delivers a 6-log reduction in pathogens such as Listeria and Salmonella — two of the most common culprits behind foodborne illness.
Because chlorine dioxide is a true gas, it diffuses evenly and penetrates cracks, seams and harborage sites.
Antimicrobial Resistance Overview (AMR) | USDA
This week is U.S. Antimicrobial Awareness Week; a time to highlight the critical surveillance work done year-round in collaboration with partners here at USDA and in the Department of Health and Human Services. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to the point where the antimicrobial medicines used to treat infections are no longer effective. AMR is a significant public health threat, as it can result in the spread of infections that are difficult to manage and treat effectively.
The new federal funding law fully restores operations at FDA and USDA through Sept. 30, 2026, and includes food safety provisions affecting inspections, traceability and Listeria guidance work.
PET Under the Microscope—A Food Safety View You Can Use
Plastic is often treated as a monolith in public debate, but packaging decisions live or die on specifics. For food and beverage companies, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of those specifics that matter. PET is widely used, closely regulated, and important to shelf life, safety, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As public concern over plastic pollution grows, leaders must move beyond broad generalizations and ground decisions about food packaging in science and regulation.
International
he European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), to protect health and the environment, recommends that the European Commission adds four substances, including melamine, to the REACH Authorisation List. Once added to the list, companies must apply for authorisation if they wish to continue using the substances.
GENEVA, Switzerland – The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) released its summary report following its 101st meeting, held in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 15-21. The meeting evaluated the safety risks posed by certain contaminants, specifically inorganic and organic arsenic species.
UPFs linked to harm in most organs
A wide-ranging study from The Lancet is the most damning blow to ultra-processed foods yet
Use of food irradiation in Europe drops again | Food Safety News
The latest data on food irradiation in Europe shows use of the technique is continuing to go down.
Every year, member states forward results to the European Commission of checks carried out in ionizing irradiation facilities, including the categories and quantities of foodstuff treated and the doses used, as well as findings from checks at the product marketing stage. Irradiating does not result in radioactivity in food.
Safety Share
Magnet safety – Canada.ca
Regularly check your kid’s toys for loose magnets, and get rid of magnetic toys that are small enough to swallow.
Swallowing small, powerful magnets can lead to severe injuries, causing lifelong health problems, or even death. Children under 10 years of age are most at risk. It is especially dangerous if more than one magnet is swallowed over a short period of time.
Events
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!
Registration | Register for OMAFA Supports and Services Webinar December 2, 2025
11:00AM- 12:00PM EST
Join the Government of Ontario for a free webinar to learn about available supports and services for Ontario-based food and beverage companies
This webinar will include:
• Starting or growing your food and beverage business
• Getting export ready
• How to make connections with industry experts
• Available funding programs
French 
English