Advocacy –
Owners, operators, or agents in charge of a domestic or foreign facility engaged in manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding food for consumption by humans or animals in the U.S., are required to register the facility with the FDA. The registration and renewal period is open between October 1 and December 31, 2024.
Listeria monocytogenes, commonly known as Listeria, is a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Here are some of the most common questions asked about Listeria
Canadian Federal News
The U.S. continues to transform its food safety system with more stringent rules and regulations. After changes to the National Organic Program, new changes are coming to the Food Traceability Final Rule, section 204 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Policy on import (return) to Canada of meat products that were exported from Canada to include import requirements of exported meat products shipments (return), for all countries including the United States, based on the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)
A summary report outlines what we heard from farmers, producers, seed growers, seed analysts, seed developers, seed conditioners, the general public and others who have an interest in seed regulatory modernization.
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today found that the dumping of certain wire rod, originating in or exported from People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has caused injury to the domestic industry. Anti-dumping duties will therefore be collected by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting research and innovation in the organic sector to ensure that Canadian organic producers continue to lead in environmental stewardship, while securing a strong economic future.
The Government is committed to implementing the best possible tools to protect the right to a healthy environment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and to reinforcing the chemicals management regime. The draft implementation framework proposes how the right to a healthy environment will be considered when administering the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
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.
- Clethodim (PMRL 2024-21) Open Consultation Posted: October 2, 2024
Canadian Provincial News
Increase to $17.20 an hour brings Ontario’s minimum wage to among the highest in Canada
Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon issued the following statement recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Ontario government has published its lease agreement with Therme Canada, outlining the significant benefits of this agreement for the people of Ontario as the province continues rebuilding Ontario Place into a world-class, year-round destination.
Islanders are working on 16 new and innovative projects as we deal with climate change thanks to PEI’s climate challenge fund, and government is now calling for new applications.
US News
The FDA has published a list of unsafe imported radiation-emitting products for consumers. The FDA has significant concerns about potentially hazardous radiation-emitting electronic products that importers try to bring into the U.S. To help protect public health, the FDA publishes “Import Alerts” along with information about unsafe radiation-emitting product.
Biological control (biocontrol) was successfully used in the United States for the first time in 1888 when USDA’s Chief Entomologist Charles Valentine Riley introduced an Australian beetle (Rodolia cardinalis) to combat cottony cushion scale in California’s citrus groves. Decades later, the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) staff carry on Riley’s foundational work. They continue to approve and release biocontrol agents that support U.S. agriculture, natural resources, human and/or animal health, and domestic and international trade.
Manufacturers have just over three years to reformulate packaged snacks, confections and beverages with six common – and controversial – food dyes if they want to continue selling their products in California schools.
International News
China does not have a national database of Economically Motivated Adulteration (EMA) events or suspicions. In this research article (open access) the authors collated 6477 reported events from central and local governmental websites (the State Administration for Market Regulation, China FDA, Chinacourt, etc.), online media (China Food Safety Net, Chinanews, Foodmate, Baidu, Sina, etc.), and the literature (CNKI), from 2000 to 2020.
The European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) are currently evaluating the proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA, alongside comments received during the six-month consultation. This evaluation is being carried out in batches, focusing on the different sectors that may be affected by a potential restriction.
Reduced-fat and fat-free products were once embraced as the healthy option for consumers. So why have they fallen from favour and what does it mean for manufacturers?
Other Relevant Information
Safety Share
Did you know that ordinary household items like blinds and window coverings with long accessible cords could seriously harm a child? Cords and kids don’t mix. An average of one child dies every year from strangulation by a blind or window covering cord. One death per year involving a home décor product is one too many.
EVENTS
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- Compressed Air Quality Testing – What You Need to Know – FREE Webinar October 11, 2024
Brett Greenlee, the Key Accounts and Sales Manager at Trace Analytics, will lead a discussion covering all the basics of compressed air testing.
GS1 Canada is back with a new series of free education webinars for small business owners. Whether you are new to barcodes or a long-time subscriber, we’ll help you meet trading partners’ requirements with our trusted tools and support.
- The What, How and Why of Risk-Based Allergen Management (vikan.com)-FREE Webinar October 10th, 2024, at 9 a.m. EST
This webinar will discuss food allergen risk assessment vs. risk characterisation, best practices for integrating food allergens into a risk management system, and allergen labelling practices.
- Occupational Health & Safety Research Webinar Registration – Oct 17, 2024 12:00 PM in Zoom – Free Webinar October 17 2024 12pm EST
The ministry and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) are hosting a virtual Research Day event on October 17. The event will feature selected ministry and WSIB-funded research focused on supporting mental health in the workplace. Register for this free event to learn about the findings.