Newsletter – August 5 2025

Advocacy

Make a tree-mendous impact this August for Tree Check Month – Canada.ca

August is Tree Check Month and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is calling on Canadians of all ages to take a few minutes to inspect the trees and plants around them for signs of invasive pests. Look in your yard, garden, local park—or even on your vehicle or outdoor gear. Early detection is key to stopping the spread.

Federal

Notice to industry – The importance of accurate use of Product of Canada, Made in Canada and other origin claims – inspection.canada.ca
Now, more than ever, Canadians have been clear that they want to support Canadian businesses and buy Canadian products. The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, and industry associations to promote clear, transparent and accurate product labelling.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the notice to industry about the importance of accurately using Product of Canada, Made in Canada and other origin claims. A new section was added about the use of the maple leaf online and on retail shelves. Revisions were also made to note an increase in complaints related to inaccurate origin claims on bulk produce in grocery stores.

Canadian beef gets access to Australian market once again – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Canadian beef and beef products regain access to Australia, a key Indo-Pacific market for the first time since 2003.
In 2003, Australia imposed import restrictions on Canadian beef, following the discovery of Canada’s first domestic case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). In 2021, Canada was officially recognized by the World Organisation of Animal Health as having negligible risk status for BSE, underlining the integrity of our animal health and food inspection systems.

Canada and Ontario investing more than $1.7 million to support honey beekeeping operations – Canada.ca
The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested more than $1.7 million through the Honey Bee Health Initiative to help the province’s beekeepers grow and protect their honey bee colonies from disease, pests and weather-related threats. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help 206 local beekeeper businesses, with a total of 334 individual projects, improve the resilience of their colonies and boost the competitiveness of their honey bee operations in the face of U.S. tariffs.

Vibrant Health Products to open first U.S. plant – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Vibrant Health Products, Abbotsford, B.C., will be opening its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Rossville, Tenn., at a former Kellogg’s Eggo facility, which closed in 2024. The project is expected to create 394 new jobs at an investment of US$48.5 million over the next five years. The company will initially produce bread for its U.S. customers.

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.

• Abamectin (RVD2025-04)  Decision Posted: July 31, 2025
• Trinexapac-ethyl (PMRL2025-14)  Open Consultation Posted: July 29, 2025
• Dimethenamid (PMRL2025-13)  Open Consultation Posted: July 29, 2025
• Pyriofenone (PMRL2025-12)  Open Consultation Posted: July 29, 2025

Provincial

Grain Farmers of Ontario launches 2026 Grains Innovation Fund intake – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Grain Farmers of Ontario opens applications for the 2026 Grains Innovation Fund.
The Fund seeks projects utilizing a minimum of 40 metric tonnes annually of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or associated crop residues
 
BC Gov News
The Province has updated the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan to improve how B.C. manages the effects of mining on water quality. This is the first time the Elk Valley’s area-based management plan has been amended since it was developed in 2014. The amendment follows a year-long consultation process with governments, First Nations, industry and the public.
 
Celebrating Food Day Canada: Minister Sigurdson | alberta.ca
August 2 marks Food Day Canada – an opportunity to celebrate the hard-working Albertans who put food on tables across our province and country.

USA

FDA Announces FY2026 User Fees for VQIP and TPP | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the fiscal year (FY) 2026 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.

FDA Requires Major Changes to Opioid Pain Medication Labeling to Emphasize Risks | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring safety labeling changes to all opioid pain medications to better emphasize and explain the risks associated with their long-term use. These changes follow a public advisory committee meeting in May that reviewed data showing serious risks—such as misuse, addiction, and both fatal and non-fatal overdoses—for patients who use opioids over long periods.

RUF Releases Produce Safety Roadmap: A Call for Action | FDA
Today, the Reagan-Udall Foundation (RUF) for the FDA released its Roadmap to Produce Safety: Summary Report of the Produce Safety DialogueExternal Link Disclaimer. The FDA-commissioned report reflects the voices of over 170 produce sector stakeholders, who together developed this roadmap as a foundation for transformative change in produce safety management through collaboration. 

Pet food company refuses to recall products despite young girl’s E. coli infection | Food Safety News
The FDA is cautioning pet owners that a sample of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products beef dog food made by Arrow Reliance Inc. tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 that is associated with a human illness.
In addition, one sample of Darwin’s chicken dog food and one sample of Darwin’s duck dog food tested positive for Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Hadar, respectively.
The FDA recommended that Arrow Reliance, Inc. recall the product lots that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. To date, the firm has not recalled the affected products. This incident marks at least the fifth time since 2022 that the company has refused to recall its products after testing showed contamination.

FDA Releases New Tool for Toxicity Screening of Chemicals in Food | FDA
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its Expanded Decision Tree (EDT) chemical toxicity and risk screening tool that advances the agency’s commitment to transparency and enhancement of the food chemical safety program. The tool provides a consistent, systematic, and science-based approach to support evaluation of the safety of chemicals in food based on their structure and estimated toxicity. The EDT was evaluated through external peer-review, marking a significant milestone in its development. The agency will engage stakeholders and the public for further feedback on the tool. 

International

Two sentenced in Welsh halal meat fraud case | Food Safety News
Two food wholesalers have been sentenced for selling non-halal chicken as halal in Wales.
Halal-labeled chicken was sold to Indian takeaways and restaurants across South Wales. However, investigations revealed that their suppliers often did not provide halal meat. The duo falsely marketed and distributed chicken as halal to unsuspecting customers.

UK government food strategy – News – FoodAuthenticity
The UK is actively developing a new Food Strategy, focusing on food security, health, environment, and the economy and published a policy paper on 15 July.
The vision is a healthier, more affordable, sustainable and resilient 21st century UK food system that grows the economy, feeds the nation, nourishes people, and protects the environment and climate, now and in the future. 

EU Updates List of “High Risk” Countries for Financial Due Diligence Checks – News – FoodAuthenticity
The EU has updated its list (Delegated Regulation 2025/1184) of countries in which it considers controls against money laundering or terrorist financing are poor. 
Due diligence checking of new (and existing) suppliers is an essential fraud mitigation tool for any business, including food businesses.  The overall level of regulatory control in a given country, along with generic cultural attitudes to bribery and corruption, will inform this risk scoring.

Safety Share

Cosmetic safety – Canada.ca
Internet trends can be fun, but they can also be misleading. For example, have you ever been tempted to use products like markers or paints as eye or face makeup because of a trend you saw online?
Misuse of products can be dangerous, as it can lead to problems like rashes, burns or eye damage. It’s important to determine if the information you receive is factual and reliable.
Learn more about cosmetics safety.

Events
 
Beyond the Binder: Digital Management of Food Safety Registration  July 22, 2025 3:00pm EDT
Managing food safety with pen and paper is no longer adequate in today’s digitally connected supply chain. Many food businesses are going “beyond the binder,” utilizing digital food safety management systems (FSMS) to reduce food contamination and ensure compliance.
 
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.

Allergens in Retail: Are You Prepared?  August 12, 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
In the competitive world of food retail, poor allergen management can put your customers’ health and your business’s reputation at risk.
Join this webinar where we will address key aspects to ensure safe, responsible, and compliant management.

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. If you would like to listen to a recording of this webinar, it can be found on the CARM Google Drive.


CARM: Did you Know?  Registering on the CARM Client Portal

This podcast-style webinar offers a step-by-step overview of the process for setting up individual and business accounts in the CARM Client Portal, along with valuable trouble shooting tips. For anyone having difficulty onboarding to the CARM portal, this webinar is for you.

Registration is required for this webinar. If you would like to listen to a recording of this webinar, it can be found on the CARM Google Drive.

Collaborating on Food Safety Culture  | FDA
We are excited to announce the much-anticipated return of the FDA and Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness co-hosted Food Safety Culture Webinar Series.
We appreciate your patience during some scheduling changes and hope you will join us for the newly rescheduled events.
Webinar #1: How to Turn a Problem into an Opportunity
Wednesday, September 3, 12:00pm ET
Join us for seven interactive, hour-long webinars throughout the next year designed to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your commitment to food safety. Each session will feature industry experts who will share valuable insights, real-world tools and actionable strategies to enhance food safety culture across your organization.
Register to view the complete list of webinars and reserve your spot for the series.