Advocacy
Guidelines for the flammability requirements of the Children’s Sleepwear Regulations – Canada.ca
Health Canada is notifying interested parties that an updated version of the Guidelines for the flammability requirements of the Children’s Sleepwear Regulations – Canada.ca under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) is now available online.
The Guidelines have been modified to:
• update references to the most recent versions of documents and standards
• modernize the general format and style, and
• update images and drawings.
Sending packages to the U.S. | Canada Post
Effective August 29, 2025, the United States has suspended its duty-free “de minimis” threshold of up to US$800 for all countries, including Canada. All postal shipments up to US$800 in value to the U.S. now require duties to be assessed and prepaid before your package crosses the border.
Canada Post has partnered with Zonos® to meet the new U.S. requirements to collect duties and remit them directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
While this change presents challenges, we are committed to ensuring our U.S.-bound shipping services remain available. We’ve implemented changes in the Ship Online system and will be working on improving the ease of dealing with these new duties in the coming months.
Unfortunately, this is currently the only way to obtain a Declaration ID and prepay duties as is now required by the U.S. government.
Federal
Please be advised that a new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been identified in Spain. Imports of raw, fresh, frozen, or cured edible pork products, or raw/unprocessed inedible porcine-origin products and by-products slaughtered on or after October 27, 2025 are refused entry from the entire country as of November 28, 2025. An additional message will be sent if some regions of the country are recognized by Canada as free of the disease and imports from these free zones may resume.
Shipments from animals slaughtered before October 27, 2025 must be accompanied by documentation showing the slaughter date or the Official Meat Inspection Certificate or Zoosanitary Certificate must have a signature date before October 27, 2025.
Please consult the African Swine Fever – Disease Freedom webpage for more information.
Flame Retardants Group – Canada.ca
Chemicals Management Plan – Flame Retardants Group
The final assessment and the proposed risk management approach were published for a 60-day public comment period. [2025-11-22]
Chemicals Management Plan – Decenes Group
The Risk Management Scope For Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) and Tris(2-butoxethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) (Updated Human Health Component) and start of 60-day public comment period on the Human Health Risk Characterization Document for the Assessment of Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) and Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were published. [2025-11-22]
Selected C3-C5 Alcohols Group – Canada.ca
Chemicals Management Plan – Selected C3-C5 Alcohols Group
Updated Information Sheet and Final Screening Assessment were published. [2025-11-22]
Food safety testing reports and journal articles – inspection.canada.ca
Protecting consumers by safeguarding Canada’s food supply is one of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s top priorities. The Agency conducts sampling and testing to detect food hazards and verify that industry is meeting federal food safety requirements.
Check out the latest food safety testing reports:
• Undeclared allergens and gluten in processed fish and seafood products – April 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022
• Undeclared allergens and gluten in chicken products – April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023
• Bisphenol A and BPA alternatives in selected canned foods and jarred infant food – April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024
Health Canada has modified the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients to authorize the use of caffeine as a supplemental ingredient in foods listed in item 6 of the List of Permitted Supplemented Food Categories and to require that all solid supplemented foods with high caffeine content be labelled to indicate that another source of caffeine should not be consumed on the same day.
This modification came into force on November 25, 2025, the date on which the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients was modified.
Provincial
New innovation challenge supports B.C. companies developing renewable-energy marine technologies
As part of the Look West economic strategy, which includes a focus on growing B.C.’s maritime sector, B.C. technology companies will be able to apply for the COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) Innovation Challenge.
The Governments of Canada and Alberta have signed a new agreement to more than double oil exports to Asian markets, address investment uncertainty and reduce emissions.
Ontario Investing $19.5 Million to Establish the Centre for Fusion Energy | Ontario Newsroom
The Ontario government is strengthening the province’s energy sector by investing $19.5 million to help establish the new Centre for Fusion Energy. The Centre will further cement Ontario as a global leader in energy research and commercialization, attracting more investment and good-paying jobs while protecting the province in the face of economic uncertainty.
The Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia are taking decisive steps to address the growing threat of extortion targeting individuals and businesses in our communities. These crimes — often carried out using threats and intimidation through social media — can escalate to violence and are frequently linked to organized crime.
USA
Constituent Update – November 26, 2025 | Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSIS Enhances Establishment Data Transparency with New Digital Tool
Today, FSIS released a new tool that allows software developers and technical users to integrate existing data from the FSIS Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory (MPI Directory) into their own external systems. The MPI Directory Application Programming Interface (API) enhances the utility of valuable establishment data housed within the MPI Directory, such as the location, size, and species slaughtered or processed at each FSIS regulated establishment.
APIs act as a bridge between programs, enabling them to communicate and exchange data easily and securely in real time. They are a key component of mobile apps and modern digital systems. With the MPI Directory API, software developers can incorporate FSIS data into existing digital services or create new products for consumers, businesses, and researchers.
APIs are a part of FSIS’ broad modernization approach, which includes enhancing digital tools, streamlining public access to information, and supporting innovation that drives stronger food safety outcomes.
The Establishment API is now available through the FSIS Data Portal.
Washington resident dies from bird flu infection | Food Safety News
A second U.S. resident has died from the bird flu.
The Washington Department of Health reported that the Grays Harbor County resident was an older person who had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. Testing of the flock environment showed contamination with H5N5 bird flu.
FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025 | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food.
As of November 24, 2025, nine additional cookware products that may leach lead into food when used for cooking or food storage have been added to the table.
Publisher’s Platform: I wrote this 21 years ago about E. coli and petting zoos | Food Safety News
Publisher’s Platform: I wrote this 21 years ago about E. coli and petting zoos
Two decades later, the same preventable outbreaks continue to threaten children at fairs and petting zoos.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula is still being found on store shelves in several states, including multiple Walmart, Target and Kroger locations, as cases of infant botulism linked to the product continue to grow.
International
Ultra-processed foods: 5 biggest implications from Lancet study
The landmark study series is the biggest blow yet to UPFs
Highlights of the November Forum meeting
ECHA’s Enforcement Forum adopted its new work programme for 2026-2027, which sets out enforcement priorities and outlines coordinated actions for the next two years. The focus will remain on enforcement on imports, online sales and integrated controls.
It also started work on new projects, including preparation and training for the next EU-wide harmonised enforcement project, which will focus on the safe use of chemicals in workplaces, in co-operation with occupational health and safety inspectors.
FAO Publication Highlights AI’s Real-World Applications and Regulatory Considerations
Developed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Wageningen Food Safety Research, the publication assesses 141 scientific papers from recent years and showcases practical case studies, including emerging examples from low- and middle-income countries.
More prosecutions in Vietnam bribery probe | Food Safety News
Fourteen people have been prosecuted in Vietnam as part of a bribery case involving the country’s food safety agency.
An office of the Ministry of Public Security is investigating the giving and receiving of bribes at the Department of Food Safety under the Ministry of Health as well as at companies in Hanoi and in other cities nationwide.
Safety Share
Online Shopping: Product Safety – Canada.ca
This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, if you see a deal online that looks too good to be true, it may be because it is!
When you’re shopping online, you might find unsafe consumer products and cosmetics for sale. These are products that have been recalled, banned from sale or do not meet Canadian safety standards.
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
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
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 | ||