Newsletter – September 8, 2025

Advocacy

Pre-chill microbiological monitoring program for raw poultry – inspection.canada.ca
New Policy – Pre-chill microbiological monitoring program for raw poultry
On August 29, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published a new policy titled Pre-chill microbiological monitoring program (PMMP) for raw poultry.
All Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence holders who are slaughtering poultry are expected to implement the Pre-chill microbiological monitoring program (PMMP) by December 01, 2025. Currently the scope of this program is limited to poultry carcasses.

Federal

Modification to the Table of Permitted Nutrient Content Statements and Claims (free of sugars) – Canada.ca
Health Canada Announces Modification to the Table of Permitted Nutrient Content Statements and Claims (free of sugars)
The purpose of this notice is to publicly announce Health Canada’s decision to exempt chewing gum from the energy conditions set out in item 37 paragraph (b) of the “free of sugars” claim. The modification took effect on September 2, 2025, the day on which the Table of Permitted Nutrient Content Statements and Claims was modified.

Cyber security best practices for managing email (ITSAP.60.002) – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Whether you lead a small or medium business or are an employee, email configuration is a key component to ensuring that your organization is protected against various cyber threats. This publication aims to outline the basics of email configuration and to provide a broad understanding of the importance of safe email practices for your organization.

Spirits maker Diageo to close Ontario bottling facility next year – Food In CanadaFood In Canada
Spirits maker Diageo will cease operations at its bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ont., early next year, as it shifts some bottling volume to the U.S., the company announced on Thursday.
The facility, which bottles Crown Royal products, will close in February in a move aimed at improving its North American supply chain.

Government of Canada launches initiative to keep small- and medium-sized businesses growing in the face of trade challenges – Canada.ca
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced that PacifiCan will deliver the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in British Columbia to help B.C. small- and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs improve productivity, expand and diversify export markets, optimize supply chains, and boost domestic trade within Canada.

Provincial

Fresh workplace harassment regulations in Nova Scotia | Canadian Occupational Safety
Nova Scotia employers face a new legal landscape as the province’s workplace harassment regulations take effect September 1, 2025. The new rules, introduced under Part 27 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, require every employer to establish and implement a written harassment prevention policy. The move, part of the government’s “Stronger Workplaces” bill, aims to create safer, more respectful environments for all workers.
 
Canada and Ontario investing $14.6 million to help farmers make improvements to farmlands – Canada.ca
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $14.6 million through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) to help farmers make other improvements to their farmland.
As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment supports the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy to give farmers the tools they need to build long-term resiliency and stay competitive in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty.
 
Ontario Bringing Innovative New Technologies to the Health-Care System Faster | Ontario Newsroom
Today, the Ontario government launched the Health Innovation Pathway, a streamlined system to accelerate the adoption of new health technologies and improve patient care. The pathway will create a consistent process for reviewing and adopting technologies like medical devices and procedures, digital tools, medical imaging and screening, lab and genetic testing and models of health-care delivery to prioritize made-in-Ontario innovations and ensure more patients receive world-class care close to home.
 
Funding to help supply food banks
The government is providing up to $1.5 million in additional funding to a non-profit organization, Feed NB, to supply food banks across the province.

USA

FDA Launches Green List to Protect Americans from Illegal Imported GLP-1 Drug Ingredients | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today established a “green list” import alert to help stop potentially dangerous GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from unverified foreign sources from entering the U.S. market. This is part of the agency’s decisive steps to safeguard consumers from illegal GLP-1 active ingredients imported from overseas to ensure patient safety and a secure drug supply chain.
 
Annual Impact Report – CCOF.org
Our Annual Impact Report highlights the achievements of all three branches of CCOF: our Foundation’s farmer-focused grants and advocacy, our Certification services that ensure organic integrity, and our Consumer Education work that grows awareness and demand for organic products. Together, these efforts advance our mission to cultivate a healthy, organic future for all.
 
FDA Announces Real-Time Release of Complete Response Letters, Posts Previously Unpublished Batch of 89 | FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that it will release future complete response letters (CRLs) promptly after they are issued to sponsors. The agency also released today 89 previously unpublished CRLs issued from 2024 to the present associated with pending or withdrawn applications. Each of these CRLs detail specific safety and effectiveness deficiencies identified by the FDA as preventing the application from receiving approval.
 
Properly Store Nicotine Pouches to Prevent Accidental Exposure to Children and Pets | FDA
Nicotine pouches can be dangerous to children if they use, touch, chew on, or eat them.
These small fiber pouches, which contain nicotine that is chemically synthesized or derived from the tobacco leaf, can cause nicotine poisoning in children. It’s important to keep these products away from kids and to be prepared in case of accidental exposure or ingestion.
 
FDA releases results on economically motivated adulteration (short weighting) in seafood | FDA
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is releasing the results from a sampling assignment conducted during 2022 to 2024 on testing of frozen seafood products for short weighting. Short weighting can occur in frozen seafood when the net weight includes the weight of the added water glaze or ice.

International

New webpages highlight ECHA scientific work
Our new science web section serves as a one stop shop for ECHA’s science-related work and offers an easy access to discussions on scientific topics.
The pages describe, for example, the work of our scientific committees and expert groups, and provide details on the scientific partnerships and collaborations. They also highlight the regulatory research needs. We have also compiled science seminars, conference presentations and scientific publications to one place to help you find the latest scientific and technical updates in the field of chemical safety.

Nestlé appoints new CEO
Philipp Navratil gets top job as Laurent Freixe dismissed

National Geographic Society and PepsiCo Launch Food for Tomorrow Program
The National Geographic Society and PepsiCo announced the launch of Food for Tomorrow, a program designed to promote regenerative agriculture through a combination of research, storytelling, and education. The initiative will support scientists and Explorers in developing projects and stories that highlight how farming practices can restore soil health, enhance food systems, and protect natural resources.

Calls to add 4 new allergens to EU regulation
Goat’s and sheep’s milk, buckwheat, peas and lentils, and pine nuts are in the spotlight

Safety Share

Blind and window covering safety – Canada.ca
Did you know that ordinary household items like blinds and window coverings with long accessible cords could seriously harm a child? Cords and kids don’t mix. An average of one child dies every year from strangulation by a blind or window covering cord. One death per year involving a home décor product is one too many.

Events
 
Inside Canada’s Food Labs: How Research Centres Fuel Innovation Tickets, Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite-FREE
From product development to pilot-scale trials, Canada’s research labs are helping food companies solve technical challenges, improve processes, and scale smarter. If you’ve ever wondered when, why, or how to engage with one—our next webinar is for you.

Save the Date – FDA Virtual Public Meeting on Food Allergen Thresholds and Their Potential Applications
Dates:
• Virtual Presentations and Panel Discussions – November 18, 2025
• Virtual Listening Sessions – November 19-20, 2025
Event Overview:
The FDA will host a three-day, virtual public meeting from November 18-20, 2025, to discuss food allergen thresholds and their potential applications.
Additional meeting details and registration information will be provided in September 2025.

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.

Home | Mexico’s Food Retailers Landscape FREE Webinar September 23, 2025 11am EDT
Join the Government of Ontario for a free webinar to learn about the retail space in the Mexican market.  If you are interested in exploring new markets, this is an opportunity to learn about the Mexican market and the opportunities it offers to Ontario food and beverage manufacturers.    

Fully Funded Marketing Training for AgriFood & Innovation Sectors
You have another opportunity to access award-winning professional development—fully funded—through Growclass with its September 16, 2025, cohort. This 6-week online course is your chance to upskill, grow your business, and finish 2025 on a high note with support from Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada.

Program Value: $9,000 per person (funded in full)


Who’s it for?

• Small business owners managing growth, websites, and data.
• Marketers at all levels looking to upskill in AI, GA4, go-to-market strategies, and more.
• Professionals in innovation sectors who want to stay ahead of industry shifts.

Spots are limited—apply now: Apply Here.