Advocacy
New U.S. Section 338 Tariff Proclamations
On July 20, 2026, the U.S. Administration issued three separate proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. These actions aim to impose a 50% tariff on nearly $20 billion USD of Canadian exports, scheduled to take effect in 30 days on August 19, 2026. The measures specifically target areas where the U.S. alleges discriminatory trade practices: motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products.
It is important to note that several Harmonized System (HS) codes listed in the annexes of these proclamations encompass agriculture and agri-food products. While bulk energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are explicitly exempt, the tariffs apply heavily to wine, beer, spirits, milk powders, whey, honey, and various sugars. You can access the official White House Fact Sheet for direct links to the full text and corresponding product annexes for each proclamation. Please note that there are products of relevance to the agriculture sector in all three proclamations, and we therefore encourage you to review all annexes carefully.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is actively reviewing these rapid developments to assess the economic impacts on our domestic supply chains. Prime Minister Carney’s statement on this matter can be found here: PM Statement.
We highly value your perspective and welcome your feedback on how these tariffs may affect your operations. Please review the lists and share any specific concerns regarding the included items and potential supply chain disruptions.
Please reach out to aafc.roundtable-tableronde.aac@agr.gc.ca if you have any questions or preliminary perspectives. We will continue to keep you informed of developments in these discussions and other trade agreements.
Industry Engagement Division
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Government of Canada
Federal
Mandatory Declaration of Slaughter Establishment Numbers in IID
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) National Import Service Centre (NISC) is advising brokers and industry stakeholders of a mandatory requirement to declare all slaughter establishment numbers exactly as indicated on the Official Meat Inspection Certificate (OMIC) and for each related product line, in the Integrated Import Declaration (IID) for applicable meat import commodities.
This change is applicable for all meat import shipments (Offshore and USA origins).
For additional information, consult AIRS registration types.
Low-intensity green lighting in refrigerated storage can slow spoilage in leafy greens, helping maintain their appearance and nutritional value, according to a new study from McGill University.
Unions warn Bill C-30 endangers food safety – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Unions representing federal food inspectors, scientists, and regulatory professionals are warning Bill C-30 would allow the federal govt. to exempt companies, products, and activities from food safety laws and regulations for up to three years with no public oversight or parliamentary debate.
Minister’s Statement: Food Day Canada 2026 – Canada.ca
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of Food Day Canada. This celebration was launched in 2003 by University of Guelph Food Laureate and Member of the Order of Canada, the late Anita Stewart. Food Day Canada is a time to celebrate the hardworking people who produce the food we all enjoy.
Provincial
BC Food & Beverage and partners launch new training program – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Protein Industries Canada, BC Food & Beverage (BCFB), the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Cultivated Food Labs (CFL) are collaborating to help develop and deliver Closing the Skill Gaps in Canada’s Plant-Based Sector, a new skills training program.
Additional funding extends reactor operations and protects Ontario’s position as a global leader in life sciences innovation
Nova Scotia is inviting tidal energy developers to test their smaller-scale in-stream devices in the Bay of Fundy.
It will be an opportunity for companies to evaluate emerging tidal energy technologies in real-world conditions while collecting technical, operational and environmental data. Projects will be connected to the power grid.
USA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) approach to allergen regulation is actively evolving. In February 2026, the agency held a series of public meetings and listening sessions to discuss food allergen thresholds and their potential applications, covering how threshold concepts could affect allergen advisory statements, manufacturing controls, risk assessment, consumer communication, and enforcement.
FDA Licenses First-Ever Freeze-Dried Plasma Product in the U.S. | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today licensed Ezplaz Freeze Dried Plasma (FDP), making it the first freeze-dried plasma product licensed for use in the United States. Ezplaz is intended for transfusion in adult patients who need plasma and for whom other plasma products are not available.
FDA Announces FY2027 FSMA User Fees for VQIP and TPP | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2027 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). The user fee rates are authorized by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and allow the agency to assess and collect fees to cover the FDA’s cost of administering these programs.
USDA to resume cattle imports from Mexico after screwworm shutdown
After a yearlong suspension due to the threat of New World screwworm, the USDA will resume cattle imports from Mexico starting Aug. 24.
A new University of California, Davis (UC Davis) study has suggested that avocado oil used as an ingredient in many processed foods may not match label claims, raising concerns about ingredient authenticity and supply chain oversight.
International
FAO GM Foods Database – News – FoodAuthenticity
The Food and Agriculture Office (FAO) of the United Nations & World Health Organisation have relaunched the promotion of their database of GM foods.
This public database is primarily intended as a search-tool for safety assessments of authorised GM foods. It can, however, also be used to search (by commodity, or by OECD reference number) for which GM foods are authorised in which territories, and for the traits and characteristics of different GM varieties. We have added it to FAN’s index of “authentic food” databases.
Tate & Lyle shareholders back £2.7bn Ingredion takeover
Another stage of the acquisition is now complete, with more to come
Survey results: mislabelling of Atlantic Salmon sold in China – News – FoodAuthenticity
China is the largest market for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Asia.
This study (open access) tested the species of 186 “Atlantic Salmon” samples sold at the marketplace and online throughout China.
Safety Share
WorkSafeBC: Young workers may hesitate to raise safety concerns | WorkSafeBC
With many employers hiring seasonal staff during the summer months, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers that young and new workers remain at higher risk of workplace injury during their first months on the job.
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.
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