CFIA updates guidance for simulated meat products

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) updates the Industry Labelling Tool’s guidance for simulated meat and simulated poultry products. However, the regulatory definition and requirements for simulated meat and simulated poultry products in the Food and Drug Regulations have not been changed.

The guidance was updated to clarify existing rules, promote market consistency and prevent foods from being mislabelled. The revised guidance clarifies labelling and composition requirements and explains when food products do not meet the definition of a simulated meat or poultry product.

Regulated parties are responsible for verifying that they are complying with the acts and regulations that apply to them. Since the regulations have not changed, CFIA will continue to use the Compliance and Enforcement Policy’s risk-informed approach to inspection. If non-compliance is identified, the CFIA Inspector will follow the standard inspection process to extend the timeframe for corrective action completion. This could include offering a transition period up to January 1, 2026, based on a risk assessment. While this isn’t a regulatory change, it is in keeping with the Health Canada-CFIA Food Labelling Coordination Policy that establishes predictable compliance dates for food labelling changes.