REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 28, 2023

• Coalition for Food Safety holding a webinar on Whole Genome Sequencing

The Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition (CSCPSC) will hold a WGS webinar on September 21, 2023 from 10:00am to 4:30pm. Anyone interested in attending should let us know by Wednesday September 6^th by sending an email to [email protected]. FPCSC is a member of the Coalition that allows us to advocate on your behalf with coalition members and the Government of Canada.

• Ontario Launches 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Program

The Government of Ontario is launching the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture program to showcase the outstanding efforts, innovations, and achievements across the agriculture and food sector. The program recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that drive the industry forward, adopt new technologies and increase awareness across Ontario’s agri-food value chain.

• Tenth Revised Edition of the GHS released

The tenth revised edition of the GHS contains various new or revised provisions addressing, among others, the classification procedure for desensitized explosives (chapter 2.17);  the use of non-animal testing methods for classification of health hazards (in particular, skin corrosion/irritation (chapter 3.2), serious eye damage/irritation (chapter 3.3) and respiratory or skin sensitization (chapter 3.4)); further rationalization of precautionary statements to improve users’ comprehensibility while taking into account usability for labelling practitioners; and the review of annexes 9 and 10 to ensure alignment of the classification strategy, guidance and tools on metals and metal compounds with the provisions for long-term aquatic classification toxicity in chapter 4.1.

• California and Quebec release summary results from 36th joint cap-and-trade allowance auction

California and Quebec released the results of the 36th joint cap-and-trade auction of carbon allowances from both jurisdictions. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement prices for 2023 (current) and 2026 (advance) vintages.

• FDA Issues Proposed Rule on Canned Tuna Standards

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule to revise the standard of identity and standard of fill of container for canned tuna. If finalized, the proposed rule would, among other things:

• Revise the weighing methods used to determine the standard fill of container;
• Allow the use of safe and suitable flavorings and spices as optional ingredients; and
• Clarify that the use of a packing medium is optional

• Call for Information on the Integrated Science Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing an Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) as part of the review of the air quality criteria and the primary (health-based) and secondary (welfare-based) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Ozone (O3) and related photochemical oxidants. The ISA will be developed by the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA) within EPA’s Office of Research and Development. All communications and information should be received by EPA by October 24, 2023.

• Mexico’s ban of use of genetically engineered corn in tortillas and dough

On February 13, 2023, Mexico issued a presidential decree that bans the use of genetically engineered corn in tortillas and dough and states an intent to gradually substitute the use of biotechnology corn in all products for human consumption and animal feed. On June 9, 2023, the Government of Canada issued a statement announcing that Canada would participate as a third party in the dispute settlement consultations with Mexico initiated by the U.S. under CUSMA.

• Australia finalizes new substances fees and charges

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) AICIS has issued its fees for services which apply to activities such as pre-market assessments and authorisations of unlisted chemicals, listing chemicals on the Inventory or amending Inventory listings, applications to protect confidential business information and authorisations to import/export industrial chemicals subject to international agreements. All registrants pay an annual application fee to be listed (or re-listed) on the Register of Industrial Chemical Introducers.

• Europe consults on draft investigation report on the presence of CMRs in childcare articles

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has drafted this report to support the European Commission in preparing a restriction proposal for carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR, cat 1A or 1B) substances that may be present in childcare articles.

• Use of Diisocyanates restricted in Europe

Diisocyanates cannot be used on their own or as a constituent in other substances or in mixtures for industrial and professional uses in concentrations equal or above 0.1 % by weight after 24 August 2023, unless the user has successfully completed a training on the safe use of the substance. Placing on the market has already been restricted since 24 February 2022.

Safety Share

• Chemical companies should prepare for harsh hurricane season

Following the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) recent outlook predicting “above average” activity for the remainder of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season., the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is urging the chemical industry to act now to prepare for potentially more frequent and more powerful hurricanes and other extreme wind events in the months ahead.

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

• Asian Chemicals Forum – September 5-6, 2023 – New Delhi, India

Asian Chemicals Forum (ACF) will cover a wide range of topics related to safe chemical management.

• European Association Chemical Distributors Annual Congress – September 11-13, 2023 – Barcelona, Spain

“Diving into the future“ is the future-oriented motto of this year’s Annual Congress of Fecc (= the European Association of Chemical Distributors), which will return to beautiful Sitges/Barcelone from Monday, 11 September 2023 afternoon to Wednesday, 13 September afternoon.

• 24th World Petroleum Congress 17-21 September 2023 I Calgary, Canada

Explore how innovative technologies are shaping the energy transition across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. Join industry leaders for insights into accessible, affordable, and sustainable energy 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.

• World Food Forum – October 16 – 20, 2023 – Rome, Italy

The World Food Forum officially unveiled its theme for 2023: “Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action” and launched its activities for the year culminating in a series of global events, competitions  and actions taking place from 16-20 October at the Rome headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

• International Baking Association –  October 22-26, 2023 – Munich, Germany

The International Baking Association (IBA) trade fair, a leading trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry set for Oct. 22-26 in Munich, will feature an area focused on innovative start-up businesses.

• ECHA Conference 2024 – February 28, 2024 – Helsinki, Finland

The next European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Conference will take place on 28 February 2024 in Helsinki. As we are preparing the programme, we want to hear what would be the most important topics for you. So, fill in our short survey and help us shape a relevant and inspiring stakeholder event.