Advocacy
SQFI | Updating You on Edition 10: Release Timeline and Next Steps
The release of SQF Code Edition 10 has been delayed due to an extension in the GFSI benchmarking application timeline, which now runs through March 2026. GFSI is currently reconvening its Benchmarking and Harmonization Working Group to review and potentially revise the benchmarking requirements.
Because SQF, like all Certification Program Owners, must submit through this process, this extension has impacted our release plans for SQF Code Edition 10.
Read more about SQF Version 10 launch.
Federal
September 2025 issue: Workplace Hazardous Products Program newsletter – Canada.ca
The September 2025 issue of the Workplace Hazardous Products Program (WHPP) newsletter is now available!
This issue provides the registration link for WHPP’s multi-stakeholder workshop, which will take place on November 20. Register today!
The Food and Nutrition Directorate would like to advise you of the following update(s) on “Food Additives”:
Modification to the Lists of Permitted Food Additives to remove duplication and harmonize the names of certain food additives
Modification to the List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents to extend the use of polysorbate 80
Consultation on emerald ash borer management in Canada
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 risk management document (RMD-25-01) outlines 4 options for managing EAB in Canada that are proposed for consultation. The CFIA supports option 2, which expands the regulated area to include entire provinces in Eastern Canada where EAB is already present.
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.
Direct-to-consumer sales of Canadian wine: Why waiting until May 2026 is too late – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
With the high public awareness of free trade and tariff wars, there is an increased realization that Canada does not even have free trade within our own country. Interprovincial trade barriers have been in place for decades, including those inhibiting the movement of labour, trucking and the sale of wine. One wonders why the sale of Canadian wine is restricted by provincial borders when Canada is trying to expand free trade with other countries. It is time for Canada to walk the talk on free trade by removing provincial trade barriers for the sale of wines.
Update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s ongoing custody of ostriches and biocontainment practices at Edgewood, British Columbia – Canada.ca
As ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to have custody of the birds at the British Columbia ostrich farm.
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.
- German Cockroach Extract (RVD2025-06) Decision Posted: September 29, 2025
Provincial
safety_around_heavy_equipment.pdf
WorkSafeNB launches heavy equipment safety campaign
Heavy equipment (includes powered mobile equipment, elevated work platform, lift trucks) can be a valuable tool on a construction site, but can also pose a risk to nearby employees, traffic, or pedestrians — especially if the operator can’t see them. This toolbox talk is designed to help employers ensure that all employees are safe on site when mobile equipment is being used.
How to document washroom cleaning: New requirements you must know
Ontario employers are now legally required to keep washroom facilities for employees ‘clean and sanitary,’ advises Kristin Onorato, WSPS Health and Safety Consultant. The requirement under s.25.3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) was passed into law on July 1, 2025.
A related regulation, requiring employers to keep records of the washroom cleanings, will come into effect on January 1, 2026, says Kristin. Both of these requirements were part of the Working for Workers Five Act amendments to the OHSA in 2024.
Taking action on trucking safety | alberta.ca
Alberta’s government is taking tough enforcement action to improve safety across the trucking industry. The province is applying vigilant oversight of driver training schools and carriers through inspections, audits and targeted investigations.
BC Gov News
Deer in Grand Forks area affected by disease
The Province has confirmed the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer in Grand Forks.
In the past week, nearly 100 deer were found deceased.
Ontario Releases Draft Criteria for Special Economic Zones | Ontario Newsroom
As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and unleash its economic potential, the province has proposed a new regulation setting out draft criteria for designating Special Economic Zones to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. This draft regulation has been informed by consultations with Indigenous communities across Ontario. It is being released today to support ongoing consultations and will continue to evolve based on feedback from Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
USA
FDA Announces First Use of Import Certification Authority for Certain Shrimp and Spices Potentially Contaminated with Cesium-137 | FDA
The FDA announced today that, effective October 31, 2025, the agency will require import certification for shrimp and spices from certain regions of Indonesia, based on the risk of potential contamination of the food with Cesium-137. This represents the first use of this Congressional authorized tool to address ongoing food safety problems while keeping trade flowing for products which meet the certification requirements.
FDA Offers Two New Resources for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks – Quality Assurance & Food Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is offering two new resources for sharing information once a foodborne illness outbreak investigation has concluded: Executive Incident Summary (EIS) Abstracts for Closed Foodborne Illness Investigations and Foodborne Outbreak Overview of Data (FOOD) Reports.
The agency said the new resources aim to improve public access to information about foodborne illness outbreaks and contribute to the knowledge base that industry and federal, state and local governments can use to prevent future outbreaks from happening.
EPA Releases Proposal to Increase Efficiency, Better Protect Health and the Environment in Chemical Reviews under TSCA | US EPA
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule to revise the process for conducting risk evaluations for chemicals already in commerce under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The proposed amendments would ensure that EPA can more efficiently and effectively protect human health and the environment and follow the law while responding to public comments and concerns, including from other Federal agencies, on the current Framework Rule.
Exploring Consumer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Around Food Irradiation, and Possible Impact on Foodborne Illness | Food Safety
While exploring opportunities to prevent outbreaks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified food irradiation as an underutilized but effective intervention that could help reduce and prevent foodborne illness. Food irradiation is a technology that treats food with ionizing radiation to improve microbial safety, extend shelf life, and control insects.
International
Scientific discussions and seminars – ECHA
Did you know that you can find topical science seminars focusing on chemical safety, regulatory science, and innovative research on our website? The science seminars are part of our new web pages on ECHA’s scientific work.
Thousands sickened by school food in Indonesia | Food Safety News
Almost 6,500 people are believed to have suffered food poisoning linked to a school food program in Indonesia.
The number of cases related to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has reached 6,452, according to some sources. The initiative was designed to improve the nutrition of school children and was launched by President Prabowo Subianto in early 2025. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) reported 70 incidents of poisoning affecting 5,914 people from January to September.
FAO highlights key areas of food safety foresight approach | Food Safety News
Digital tools and human expertise have been highlighted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as vital when looking at emerging food safety issues.
Foresight takes a medium-to-long-term view and is used in the early identification of emerging food safety issues as part of a move from a reactive to preventive approach.
International Food Policy Research Institute’s 2025 Global Food Policy Report – News – FoodAuthenticity
The 2025 Global Food Policy Report takes a sweeping view of the past half-century, reviewing the evolution of both policies and policy research, highlighting lessons learned, and presenting key considerations for addressing the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow. Policies play a key role in advancing food systems and the health of all people and the planet. While many factors influence policymaking, evidence-based food policy research is crucial for informing policy choices, policy implementation, and policy adaptation.
Safety Share
Canadian Association for Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology
Every year in Canada, over 4,000 people lose their lives and many more are hospitalized due to poisonings, often caused by medications, household cleaners, cannabis products, and other everyday items in and around the home. The best way to keep your kids safe, and protect adults with cognitive impairment from poisonings, is by storing potentially harmful household items safely.
Events
CEPA-ICG Technical Workshops October 22 and 23, 2025
Please find below a registration and information link for the ICG’s collaborative Workshops with Health Canada and Environment & Climate Change Canada on October 22 afternoon (Streamlining Surveys) and October 23 morning (Building Confidence in NAMs and Next-Gen risk assessment in regulatory decision-making).
We hope you will attend and request that you share the link with company colleagues and Association staff and Committee members likely to be interested.
“In person” space is limited so, if you intend to travel to Ottawa, we suggest you register at your earliest convenience. On-line participation is also an option (and is in fact encouraged for non-Canadians due to the non-trivial security clearance process for the Health Canada facility we will use).
Save the Date – FDA Virtual Public Meeting on Food Allergen Thresholds and Their Potential Applications
Dates:
• Virtual Presentations and Panel Discussions – November 18, 2025
• Virtual Listening Sessions – November 19-20, 2025
Event Overview:
The FDA will host a three-day, virtual public meeting from November 18-20, 2025, to discuss food allergen thresholds and their potential applications.
Additional meeting details and registration information will be provided in September 2025.
Registration | Register for E-Commerce 101: Best Practices in the USA Webinar Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EDT
Join the Government of Ontario, Solimpex and Walmart.com for a free webinar to learn about E-Commerce opportunities and considerations. E-Commerce is transforming the export landscape for Ontario food suppliers, allowing them to reach a more diverse audience
Webinar Registration – Zoom Learn how AI is changing F&B processing Oct 8, 2025 01:00 PM
This webinar explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform Canada’s F&B processing industry by enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and improving food safety.
The Oct. 8th session will highlight how AI is being deployed across supply chains, production lines, and quality control systems with real-world examples.
Fully Funded Marketing Training for AgriFood & Innovation Sectors
You have another opportunity to access award-winning professional development—fully funded—through Growclass with its September 16, 2025, cohort. This 6-week online course is your chance to upskill, grow your business, and finish 2025 on a high note with support from Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada.
Navigating the Transition – BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 FREE WEBINAR from NSF October 14, 10:30 AM — 12:00 PM EDT
Big changes are coming to BRCGS Packaging — are you prepared?
NSF invites you to a free webinar designed to help packaging professionals understand and adapt to the new Version 7 of the BRCGS Packaging Standard.
Virtual Public Meeting and Listening Session on Food Allergen Thresholds and Their Potential Applications – 11/18/2025 | FDA
Day 1: Tue, Nov 18th 10:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
Day 2: Wed, Nov. 19th 10- 11:30 a.m. ET and 2-3:30 p.m. ET
Day 3: Thu, Nov. 20th 10- 11:30 a.m. ET and 2-3:30 p.m. ET
The FDA will host, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry, consumer groups, healthcare professionals, individual firms, retailers, and academic researchers, a virtual public meeting followed by virtual listening sessions to help inform the FDA’s next steps, prioritize potential options, and advance our food allergen threshold approaches to benefit public health.
The FDA will review input received at the public meeting, in listening sessions, and in response to a Regulations.gov docket to determine next steps.
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