Newsletter – November 17, 2025

Advocacy

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula may be unsafe due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria Clostridium botulinum – Canada.ca

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the affected products because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

Medical misinformation: Peanut vaccine – Food Allergy Canada

Statement from McMaster University

A post generated by AI incorrectly suggested that an mRNA vaccine for food allergy was developed at McMaster. The publication referenced in the post does not exist. Generative AI may be mixing our long history of advancing allergy research with other publicly available scientific concepts. We do have many ongoing studies that aim to better understand how to dismantle food allergy, prevent it, develop next-generation therapies, and improve its management.

Federal

Barry Callebaut opens third chocolate factory in Canada – Food In CanadaFood In Canada

Barry Callebaut inaugurates its third Canadian manufacturing facility in Brantford, Ont. Representing an investment of US$104 million, the greenfield facility is equipped with production lines focused on liquid molding, liquid chocolate, and industrial molding as well as warehousing.

PepsiCo plans to nearly double its regenerative farmland in Canada – Food In CanadaFood In Canada

PepsiCo is working with farmers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to nearly double its regenerative agriculture footprint to more than 500,000 acres of farmland by year end. It partners with farmers, nonprofits, retailers, and policymakers in its efforts to spread regenerative agriculture.

Bottled Up: Small Business Barriers to Interprovincial Alcohol Trade Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Despite recent agreements meant to ease trade restrictions, Canada’s small and craft alcohol producers continue to face major roadblocks when selling across provincial borders. Outdated rules and overly complicated processes restrict access to new markets, even when that market is their neighboring province.

New Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard – Canada.ca

Built in Canada, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, an Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, will become the largest dedicated science vessel in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. This new ship provides capability and capacity to support ocean science missions on Canada’s coasts. This achievement is an important step to provide the Canadian Coast Guard with safe, modern, and Canadian-made equipment needed to deliver critical services to Canadians.

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.

  • Fatty acid cluster (RVD2025-07)  Decision Posted: November 14, 2025
  • Penthiopyrad (PMRL2025-26)  Open consultation Posted: November 12, 2025
  • Pyrethrins (PMRL2025-25)  Open consultation Posted: November 12, 2025

Provincial

Danone to expand flagship Quebec plant – Food In CanadaFood In Canada

Danone Canada makes the largest investment ever made by the company in Canada to expand its flagship Boucherville plant in Quebec. This initiative aims to increase the company’s production capacity for yogurt tubs by 40 per cent as well as receive and process Canadian raw milk by 20 per cent.

Ontario Breaks Ground on Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Project | Ontario Newsroom

Construction is now underway on the single largest battery storage facility ever procured in Canadian history, supporting the Ontario government’s plan to deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy to power the province’s growing economy and communities. Once complete, the new Skyview 2 Battery Energy Storage System will provide enough capacity to power nearly 400,000 homes, strengthening the province’s electricity grid and protecting Ontario workers and jobs by supporting a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant provincial economy.

Governments of Canada and Manitoba launch pilot to reward sustainable farming – Canada.ca

The Governments of Canada and Manitoba are introducing a new pilot program that helps farmers adopt sustainable practices while saving money. Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced the Forage Advantage pilot today.

Ontario Welcomes $165 Million Investment in Biofuel Manufacturing | Ontario Newsroom

The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of more than $165 million by the Convertus Group to build a new, state-of-the-art biofuel facility in York Region, converting organic waste into renewable energy. Leveraging the province’s skilled workforce, this investment will create 52 good-paying jobs for the local economy and further position Ontario as a leader in waste treatment, processing and renewable energy.

USA

Imported food requires country audits and individual inspections of foreign food facilities | Food Safety News

The USDA and FDA have, for decades, been responsible for country audits and individual inspections of foreign food facilities. The activist group ProPublica claims that foreign inspections by FDA personnel this year have reached a “historic low” because of agency cutbacks.

Update: FDA Encourages the Public to Follow Established Choking Rescue Protocols – FDA Safety Communication | FDA

Anti-choking devices currently sold over-the-counter (OTC) do not have FDA marketing authorization, meaning the FDA has not evaluated the safety and effectiveness of those devices. 

Consumers, parents, caregivers, and health care providers should be aware that using an unauthorized anti-choking device before established protocols could delay critical life-saving action.

International

56th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commit­tee

The 56th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commit­tee on Pesticides and Pesticide Residues in and on Foods (CCPR56) addressed all topics on its agenda. CCPR56 approved about two hundred new maximum residue limits for various pesticides for final adoption by the next CAC meeting (End November 2025, CAC48).

Warning issued after paracetamol found in food | Food Safety News

Authorities in Slovenia have uncovered the presence of paracetamol in non-processed pickles in acid from India.

The Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Administration (UVHVVR) said the discovery was made as part of a regular inspection of food imports. Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in the United States.

Supplements and confectionery subject of EU fraud discussions | Food Safety News

The latest batch of suspected fraud and non-compliance alerts in Europe include supplements, meat products, fish and chocolate.

Scientist challenges belief plant-based food is safer; temperature is key for safe fruit salads | Food Safety News

A food safety researcher in Sweden has called for more awareness of the risks posed by plant-based foods.

“There is a naive belief that plant-based food is safer than animal-based food. Plant-based foods are just as vulnerable to the same pathogens we find in meat, fish, milk and eggs,” said Jenny Schelin, a researcher on food safety at Lund University in Sweden.

Safety Share

Free risk reduction help: Expert assessment, real business benefits for food manufacturers – Food In CanadaFood In Canada

Ontario food and beverage manufacturers can now benefit from a free proactive needs assessment delivered by a professional consultant and get customized, actionable safety advice at no cost.

Ontario’s food manufacturing sector faces ongoing risk. High rates of lost time injuries (LTIs) interrupt staffing and operations, often stemming from hazards like bypassed lockouts, mobile equipment in busy plants and machine safeguarding gaps. These can lead to injuries and operational shutdowns impacting your team, your business and your reputation.

Using winter tires

At temperatures below 7°C, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity, leading to less traction. Winter tires keep their elasticity and grip at much lower temperatures.

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

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
LanguageDateTimeRegistration
EnglishWednesday, November 12, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister
EnglishWednesday, November 26, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister
EnglishWednesday, December 10, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister
EnglishWednesday, December 17, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister
FrenchWednesday, November 18, 202511 am to 11:45 am ETRegister
FrenchWednesday, December 3, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister

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
LanguageDateTimeRegistration 
EnglishThursday, November 13, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister 
EnglishThursday, November 27, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister 
EnglishThursday, December 11, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister 
EnglishThursday, December 18, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister 
FrenchThursday, November 20, 202511 am to 11:45 am ETRegister
FrenchThursday, December 4, 20251 pm to 1:45 pm ETRegister

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!

Information sessions on regulatory amendments relating to fresh fruits and vegetables

On October 8, 2025, the Government of Canada published the Regulations Amending the Health of Animals Regulations and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (Reducing Red Tape and Supporting Resilience – Import Reference Document, Hatcheries and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables) in Canada Gazette, Part II.

The CFIA published the overview of changes to help stakeholders navigate the changes, and has updated it to provide further clarity for fresh fruits and vegetables destined for manufacturing, processing or preserving.

The CFIA invites you to attend virtual information sessions regarding the regulatory changes. These sessions will be held on:

Session dates and details:

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm EST (English)
Join on MS Teams

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST (French)
Join on MS Teams

In the event of technical issues when joining through the Microsoft Teams application, please select the option “Continue on this browser”.

Animal Feed – Upcoming webinars

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Feed regulatory modernization page to include registration information for two webinars.

Interested parties are encouraged to register for these webinars to learn more about the new Feeds Regulations including the changes that will come into effect on December 17, 2025.

Livestock feed licences
English session
When: November 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 (EDT)
Register here

French session
When: November 21, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 (EDT)
Register here

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

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