Advocacy
Deadline of Dec 31st, 2025 to comply with the supplemented foods requirements
As stated in the Implementation plan for amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (Supplemented Foods), the end of transition for supplemented foods is December 31, 2025.
Effective January 1, 2026, all supplemented foods are expected to comply with the regulations, except the rounding rules for the declaration of supplemental ingredients which will continue to follow Health Canada’s Interim policy statement on rounding rules.
Federal
Canada’s food safety agency doubts it could adequately protect the food supply in the next two years if the country is hit with several concurrent emergencies, such as animal disease outbreaks or food safety recalls. The problem is exacerbated by climate change, with the agency warning the crisis could impact its infrastructure while boosting the risk of disease and pest outbreaks.
The warning is laid out in a 2024-2027 corporate risk assessment the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) completed last year and was obtained by Canada’s National Observer through an access to information request. Failures in the agency’s aging infrastructure, and the inability to meet inspection standards or stay financially viable are also listed as top concerns.
Nicarbazin (NIC) – Medicating feed ingredient – inspection.canada.ca
Animal Feed – Policy and Procedure Updates
Please be advised that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Compendium of Medicated Ingredient Brochures (CMIB).
The following document has been updated:
NIC MIB – Nicarbazin Medicating Ingredient Brochure
USA implements ISPM 15 hyphen requirement on January 1st, 2026
This is to inform exporters that the US Custom and Border Protection (CBP) will cease their suspension of the ISPM 15 Hyphen requirement on December 31st 2025.
Starting January 1st 2026, all wood packaging material coming to the USA, new or recycled, will need to have the hyphen between the 2 letter ISO country code and the digits number identifying the facility that produced the wood packaging material (e.g., XX-00000). Regulatory actions on the missing hyphen will resume starting January 1st along with all other ISPM 15 provisions that remained in effect.
This measure does not affect the exemption related to ISPM 15 requirements between Canada and US for wood packaging.
Please contact you local CFIA office for any questions
The GFSI Conference, set for March 24-26, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada, will bring together more than 600 experts and business leaders from more than 40 countries to find ways to ensure greater action on food safety challenges.
New restrictions due to HPAI in the United States
Please be advised that new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been identified in the United States (New York). Poultry, birds (including pet birds) and certain poultry products originating from the restricted zones are not permitted for import into Canada.
Please consult the document Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the USA (RDIMS 17238181) on the Animal Health Alerts Merlin web page for more information. For best results, please view documents in “Native” mode.
The Integrated Chemical Mixtures Project (ICMP) webpage (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/publications/integrated-chemical-mixtures-project.html) is now live. The Project aims to develop an approach to increase our understanding of the effects from real-world chemical mixtures that may be present in the environment. New information generated will support the protection of the environment and human health from harmful chemical substances.
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.
- Cyclobutrifluram, A22011 Crop, A23156 Crop, VICTRATO and VICTRATO 2 (RD2025-12) Decision Posted: December 19, 2025
- Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 and Asperello T34 Biocontrol (RD2025-11) Decision Posted: December 19, 2025
- Benzoic acid and Microban Additive GS (PRD2025- 18) Open consultation Posted: December 16, 2025
Provincial
Minimum rates increase Dec. 31 for hand-harvest farm workers
The increase applies to 15 agricultural crops harvested by hand, as specified in the Employment Standards Regulation. The hand-harvested crops are peaches, apricots, brussels sprouts, daffodils, mushrooms, apples, beans, blueberries, cherries, grapes, pears, peas, prune plums, raspberries and strawberries.
Alberta Next Panel delivers report | alberta.ca
Following months of engagement across the province, the Alberta Next Panel has delivered seven recommendations to enhance Alberta’s sovereignty within a united Canada.
Regulations and Statutes in Force as of January 1, 2026 | Ontario Newsroom
See the legislation, regulation and fee changes listed by responsible ministry will take effect January 1, 2026.
The Government of Prince Edward Island is announcing two new programs to deliver short-term relief for the province’s oyster growers and processing sectors in response to industry challenges caused by oyster diseases in the region.
USA
Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) | FDA
The FDA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) application portal for fiscal year 2027 opens on January 1, 2026, providing food importers with an opportunity to streamline their import processes through expedited review and importation benefits.
VQIP is a voluntary, fee-based program that offers expedited review and importation benefits for human and animal foods when importers demonstrate control over their supply chain safety and security. To participate, importers must ensure their foreign supplier facilities are certified through FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification Program.
For questions or assistance, contact the VQIP Importers Help Desk:
• Email: FSMAVQIP@fda.hhs.gov
Report on the Use of PFAS in Cosmetic Products and Associated Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a congressionally mandated report under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) evaluating the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products. While the report reviews available scientific evidence on potential safety concerns, the FDA’s evaluation did not reach definitive safety determinations and underscores significant uncertainty due to gaps in existing data on PFAS exposure through cosmetics.
FDA Releases FY 2023 Pesticide Residue Monitoring Report | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made available its annual Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report for Fiscal Year 2023, summarizing findings from FDA testing of human and animal foods for 781 different pesticides and selected industrial compounds from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023.
The agency sent warning letters to Target, Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons after finding that recalled ByHeart infant formula linked to the botulism outbreak continued to be sold on store shelves in more than 175 locations across 36 states.
International
Multiple reports allege Barry Callebaut mulling cocoa spinoff – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Rumours are swirling that Barry Callebaut is planning to separate its cocoa business from the rest of the group. First reported by Reuters, the company’s goal is to reduce the group’s exposure to volatile cocoa prices and improve its financial profile.
January food abstinence trends 2026
January is the time for restraint. What foods and beverages are consumers giving up?
Codex Initiates Work on Clostridium botulinum in Infant Formula | Food Safety
In December, the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) decided to initiate work related to the control of Clostridium botulinum in powdered infant formula.
The decision, prompted by the ongoing infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart-brand infant formula sold across the U.S., was made at the 55th Session of CCFH (CCFH55), which took place December 15-19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Safety Share
Prevent the ‘January Blues’: 4 tips to foster a psychologically safe workplace
Grey. Cold. Long. That’s January. Some welcome it as the perfect time to refresh routines and recharge. But for others, January can feel like a letdown; like a bad day that goes on and on. In the interest of fostering a psychologically safe workplace, it’s important for employers to understand the effect this post-holiday month may have on their employees’ mental health. By taking a few intentional steps, you can avoid the seasonal mental health pitfalls, which can help prevent the January Blues altogether.
Events
Webinar Registration – Zoom Food 4.0: Let’s Build the Future of Canada’s Food Sector Together Jan 21, 2026 01:00 PM EST
CFIN’s Food 4.0 Action Plan is designed to help the food sector to collaborate and catalyze momentum. Join CFIN for an inside look at their national action plan to help food and beverage businesses, — especially SMEs — unlock growth and competitiveness.
The GFSI Conference, set for March 24-26, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada, will bring together more than 600 experts and business leaders from more than 40 countries to find ways to ensure greater action on food safety challenges.
To find out more about the conference and register, click here.
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