CFIA seeks feedback on modernizing food standards strategy

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada are proposing to modernize the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) framework by using incorporation by reference for food compositional standards.

CFIA believes this would allow the agency to maintain and update the standards in a “transparent, timely and efficient manner.” The proposed regulatory amendments are expected to be pre-published in Canada Gazette, Part I, in fall 2023.

After the legislative amendments are complete, CFIA intends to review and modernize the food standards that are incorporated by reference into FDR and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.

To determine the demand for changes to food standards and to maximize the efficiency of the modernization, CFIA is seeking feedback to inform the principles and the process that will be followed to modernize these standards.

This consultation is being conducted to understand the volume and complexity of future requests for modifications to food compositional standards from stakeholders, and to solicit comments regarding the proposals to modernize the food standards, including how CFIA would use the following approaches:

• screen modification requests for completeness based on clear criteria to expedite processing;
• prioritize accepted requests that address industry issues;
• clearly communicate CFIA’s decisions regarding next steps for requestors; and
• consolidate requests based on commodity groups or sub-groups to maximize efficiency during proposal development and engagement.

So share your thoughts on “a strategy for modernizing food compositional standards“. Complete the online questionnaire or email cfia.StandardsGradesModernization-Normesclassment.acia@inspection.gc.ca.