Advocacy
We are pleased to share with you that the Watch List Approach has been published in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) Registry.
On June 13, 2023, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act became law, amending CEPA. Section 75.1 of the amended CEPA states that “the Minister of the Environment shall compile and may amend from time to time a list that specifies substances that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have reason to suspect are capable of becoming toxic or that have been determined to be capable of becoming toxic”, collequially known as the “Watch List”. The Watch List will only apply to substances that are not listed on Schedule 1 of CEPA.
In fall 2024, activities were undertaken to engage the public and interested stakeholders as part of consultation on the proposed Watch List Approach. Feedback and input was received at stakeholder engagement sessions and through a 60-day public comment period. The comments received have been considered in the development of the final Watch List Approach document. The Watch List Approach describes the administration of the Watch List.
The Watch List will be a communication product with no regulatory or legislative impacts. It will not impose new or additional requirements or restrictions on a substance. The Watch List will be compiled from existing information and will not supersede or modify any act, regulation, or legal obligation, including an obligation to comply under any instruments referred to under CEPA, including statutory or legislative instruments.
The Watch List will be published in the CEPA Registry and will be updated periodically.
For any inquiries, please contact the Substances Management Information Line by email at substances@ec.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-800-567-1999 (within Canada) or 819-938-3232 (international).
Federal
Public Notice: Classification of sports electrolyte products as foods – Canada.ca
Health Canada is announcing the transition of sports electrolyte products from the Natural Health Product (NHP) framework to the food regulatory framework (formerly called Sports Electrolyte Supplement under the NHP framework).
This classification ensures that products in food formats, that are represented and marketed similar to other food products, are regulated as foods to ensure consistency and transparency for Canadians.
Study Finds Cold Plasma Treatment Reduces Peanut Allergenicity | Food Safety Magazine
In a new study by researchers at McGill University, treating peanut protein with cold plasma significantly reduced its immunoreactivity, suggesting a potential method for lowering allergenic risk while maintaining functional properties.
Animal Feed – Policy and Procedures Updates
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is consulting on the following single ingredient feed description:
We are seeking comments on the proposed description by May 27, 2026.
Canada Packers says it is passing on higher fuel costs to its customers as oil prices have skyrocketed since the outbreak of the war in Iran.
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.
- Acynonapyr and Kodama Miticide (RD2026-12) Decision Posted: April 30, 2026
- GATTEN Fungicide, containing flutianil (PRD2026-08) Open consultation Posted: April 30, 2026
- AGRI-MEK SC, containing abamectin (PRD2026-05) Open consultation Posted: April 28, 2026
- Cold pressed orange oil and Appeal (RD2026-11) Decision Posted: April 27, 2026
Provincial
Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security | Ontario Newsroom
The Ontario government is protecting the province’s homegrown research and innovation by investing up to $8 million through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) to expand intellectual property supports for publicly assisted colleges, universities and research institutions. This expansion delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring discoveries made in the province create jobs, attract investment and build a stronger, more self-reliant economy.
As U.S. tariffs create new challenges for the steel industry and infrastructure projects, a Nanaimo steel manufacturer will be able to triple the amount of steel it fabricates and hire more people, with new provincial support through B.C.’s Look West strategy.
Today, estimates from Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan’s GDP grew by 2.2 per cent, bringing the total for 2025 to $85.4 billion. This is yet another all-time high for the province and well above the national average of 1.6 per cent.
Ontario Investing $1.6 Billion to Build and Expand Schools Across Ontario | Ontario Newsroom
More than 29,000 students will benefit from new, modern classrooms that prepare them for good-paying, stable careers
USA
FDA Releases Results from Largest-Ever Testing of Infant Formula in the U.S. | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced results from the largest and most rigorous examination ever conducted focused on chemical contaminants in infant formula available on the U.S. market. While breast milk is widely considered the gold standard and optimal source of nutrition for infants whenever possible, millions of parents depend on formula.
Outbreak traced to backyard poultry flocks | Food Safety News
Backyard poultry flocks are infecting people with antibiotic resistant Salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of April 13, there have been 34 confirmed patients infected with the outbreak strain on Salmonella Saintpaul. The patients are spread across 13 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Feb. 26 to March 31. Of 27 people with information available, 13 have been hospitalized, meaning the outbreak strain is particularly virulent.
FDA Announces Major Steps to Implement Real-Time Clinical Trials | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced two major steps as part of an initiative to advance the implementation of real-time clinical trials (RTCT).
Radio Frequency Company’s Macrowave radio frequency pasteurization systems have been fully validated to treat rice flour used in infant formula, achieving more than a 5-log reduction of microbes, including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
FDA Proposes to Exclude Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide on 503B Bulks List | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it is proposing to exclude semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide on the 503B bulks list, finding no clinical need for outsourcing facilities to compound these drugs from bulk substances.
International
Nestlé to cut 450 UK jobs sparking backlash from workers and unions
Nestlé’s set to cut more than 450 UK jobs as global restructuring begins
Globally in 2010, foodborne illnesses caused 600 million cases of illness and 420,000 premature deaths, resulting in a loss of 33 million years of healthy life due to premature mortality or disability, per WHO. These losses are equivalent to $95 billion lost annually in low- and middle-income countries due to reduced productivity. The global health burden of foodborne disease is comparable to that of tuberculosis and malaria.
Babybel moves to paper, but paperization not sustainable for all
While brands like Babybel are showing the shift to paper packaging can work, moving away from plastic is not universally viable.
Safety Share
Buying second-hand products – Canada.ca
Find out how you can protect yourself and your family when buying second-hand products in-person and online. Learn how to pick safer used products. Discover what you need to do as a buyer, seller or person giving away used products.
Events
Agenda – Food Safety Summit | Food Safety Magazine May 11–14 2026 | Rosemont, IL | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
The Food Safety Summit is just weeks away—and this is one of your last opportunities to join the industry’s most trusted food safety community in person.
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