REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 3, 2023

• Canada’s Health Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods

Health Canada has completed its update of the “Policy on Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods”. The Listeria policy (2023), which replaces the version dated April 1, 2011, was developed by Health Canada, with input from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada, and takes into account the roles and responsibilities of industry, government and consumers.

• WHPP multi-stakeholder workshop (May 24 and 25, 2023)

Registration for the Workplace Hazardous Products Program (WHPP) multi-stakeholder workshop is now open!

• Health Product InfoWatch, March 2023

The March issue of the Health Product InfoWatch published by Health Canada is now available. This monthly publication provides clinically relevant safety information on pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and natural health products.

• Canada–European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum

The fifth annual meeting of the Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF) under the Canada–European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will take place on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Following this meeting, the Canadian and EU Co-chairs will debrief stakeholders on all active work plan items and items of interest on Friday, April 28, 2023.

• Follow-up from the supplemented foods technical webinar

Health Canada is pleased to share responses to the questions that were asked during the sessions. Several responses refer to the additional information that can be found on the supplemented foods web page or in the Guidance Document for Supplemented foods regulations.

• Ontario launches materials handling regulatory awareness in advance of inspection blitz

Phase 1: April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 – Education, outreach and awareness supported by the Public Health and Safety Association

Phase 2: May 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 – Focused inspection blitz

• Expanded Use of Salt Substitutes to Help Lower Sodium Intake

The FDA issued a press release FDA Takes Additional Steps to Improve Nutrition, Reduce Disease with Expanded Use of Salt Substitutes to Help Lower Sodium Intake and an accompanying Constituent Update. The proposed rule would change standards of identity for foods that include salt to permit the use of safe and suitable salt substitutes.

• Request To Revoke Color Additive Listing for Use of FD&C Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is extending the comment period for the color additive petition for which we published a notice of filing in the Federal Register of February 17, 2023. In the notice, FDA requested comments on a filed color additive petition submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest, et al., proposing that FDA repeal the color additive regulations providing for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods (including dietary supplements) and in ingested drugs. The deadline for submissions is May 18, 2023.

• USDA’s Emerald Ash Borer Program Report

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works with State, Federal, and other partners to detect and manage known emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations. The EAB program uses biological control and ongoing research to minimize the impact from an infestation and maintain ash as a viable part of the American landscape. This report provides the most current information on EAB program efforts.

• OSHA seeks comments on 1,3-butadiene standard

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) solicits public comments concerning the proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval of the information collection requirements specified in the 1,3 Butadiene Standard. The deadline for comments is June 2, 2023.

• EPA Makes Trends in Domestic Chemical Production and Imports More Accessible to the Public

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the first ever Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) National Review, a web-based, interactive report with comprehensive analysis of data submitted to the Agency during the 2020 CDR reporting cycle.

• EPA seeks comments on Integrated Science Assessment for Lead

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 60-day public comment period for the draft document titled, “Integrated Science Assessment for Lead (External Review Draft)”. The deadline for comments is May 30, 2023.

• H.R. 1131. Require the EPA to authorize the use of flexible air permitting (Draft)

A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to authorize the use of flexible air permitting with respect to certain critical energy resource facilities.

• FAO call for data and information, stakeholder consultation and experts on antimicrobials

The calls address animal feed composition and feed practices, feed ingredients and feed additives

for farm animal species used in all livestock systems including: specialized livestock production

systems; integrated plant-animal production systems; and grazing systems and pastoralism.

• Australia introduces guidance on submitting a Pre-Introduction Report (PIR)

New guidance on submitting a Pre-Introduction Report (PIR) for ‘internationally-assessed for human health and the environment’. Use the checklist and practical guidance  when you’re completing a PIR in AICIS Business Services.

• K-REACH Partial Amendment of “Regulation on Volume Limits of Authorization of Substances

“Regulation on Volume Limits of Toxic, Restricted, Prohibited and Authorization Substances” is

amended according to Article 23 of Chemicals Control Act and Article 3-2, No 2 of Annex of its

Enforcement Rule. No. “459”, “579” and “643” are revised in the volume limit table in Annex 1, No. 2. No. “1239” through “1254” are added in the volume limit table in Annex 1, No. 2.

• Europe’s Risk Assessment Committee backs PFAS ban in firefighting foams

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) supports the proposed restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. The draft opinion of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) is open for consultation until 15 May.

• European enforcement authorities to target PFCAs and related substances

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Enforcement Forum agreed to run a pilot project to check for the presence of restricted perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and related substances in consumer products such as cosmetics.

Safety Share

• Stop slips, trips and falls with these expert tips

It’s true that falls from heights, such as a fall from a roof or a high-rise building, are more likely to lead to a fatality. However, a quick slip on a concrete surface or tripping over a power cord can still have a life-altering result.

Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected].

• GlobalChem Returns to Washington, DC April 3-5, 2023

Now in its 36th year, GlobalChem remains the chemical industry’s premier policy and regulatory conference. This annual gathering of industry professionals offers a valuable opportunity to not only review recent developments in global chemicals management but to also meet and reconnect with your industry peers and key government representatives.

• 2023 Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference & Expo – April 16-19^th, 2023 Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The 2023 Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference & Expo provides educational and networking opportunities for ACC members, supply chain partners, and other stakeholders. The conference will highlight industry sustainability initiatives as well as strategic enhancements to Responsible Care, the industry’s environmental, health, safety and security performance initiative.

• Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-16) – May 1-12, 2023 Geneva

The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-16), the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-11) and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-11) will be held in Geneva, from 1 to 12 May 2023.

• NYSCC Suppliers’ Day May 2-3, 2023 – New York City

The New York Society of Cosmetics Chemists will hold its Suppliers’ Day on May 2-3, 2023 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

• Bakery Showcase Trade Show & Conference – May 14-15, 2023 – Vancouver, BC

Take this opportunity to mark in your calendars next years Bakery Showcase, May 14, 15 2023 in Vancouver BC.

• REACH Conference 2023 – May 22-23, 2023 – Bratislava, Slovakia

Ekotox Centers together with partners and representatives of Cefic, Eurometaux, EPMF are all kindly willing to participate on the REACH Conference Bratislava 2023.

• New Approach Methodologies workshop – May31 – June1, 2023

The workshop will be an opportunity to bring stakeholders together and develop a common understanding of what new approach methodologies (NAMs), can achieve in the short and long term.

• Petrochem East – June 20-21, 2023 – Sarnia, Ontario

Over two days delegates will come to learn from dozens industry leaders and technical experts about the exciting opportunities within Canada’s downstream sector.

• ChemEdge 2023 – August 16-18, 2023 – The Woodlands, Texas

ChemEdge 2023 is bringing supply chain professionals all along the chemical distribution industry together to share best practices and business solutions.

• The CCOHS Forum is Back -September 26-27, 2023 – Halifax, NS

There is no other health and safety event like this in Canada. Make a plan to join us for this two-day national event that will bring together leaders, change makers, and subject experts representing government, labour, and workplaces, to share their knowledge and experience around current and emerging health and safety issues.