REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 11, 2023

• Updated food labelling origin claims

The Origin claims page of the Industry Labelling Tool has been updated to clarify the use of official symbols of the Government of Canada. This includes use of official Government of Canada symbols

• Health Canada’s Supplemented Food Labelling Awareness Initiative

The Bureau of Nutritional Sciences in the Food Directorate has launched an initiative to bring awareness to the new labelling elements on supplemented foods, so consumers can use this information to make informed food choices. Supplemented foods are prepackaged foods with one or more specific ingredients (supplemental ingredients) added for purposes other than nutrition. In July 2022, Health Canada introduced new regulations for supplemented foods, which include new labelling requirements.

• Deadline reminder for mandatory Section 71 Survey under the Chemicals Management Plan

The Government of Canada would like to remind you that the deadline for responding to the Notice with respect to certain substances under the Chemicals Management Plan ─ 2023 published on June 24, 2023 in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is January 17, 2024. Please note the following:

• A request for an extension of time to comply with the Notice can be submitted to the Minister of the Environment under subsection 71(4) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The request must be submitted prior to the deadline by email.
• To determine whether this notice applies to you, refer to sections 2 and 4 of the notice.
• Responses to the notice can be made by downloading and completing an Excel Reporting File and submitting it through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window.
• Any person not subject to this notice, who has an interest in a substance or has information the Government may find useful on these substances, may identify themselves and submit this information through a Declaration of Stakeholder Interest (SHI) via Single Window.
• Persons who do not meet the requirements of the notice and have no interest in the substances may submit a Declaration of Non-Engagement (DNE) by email.
• Refer to the Information gathering initiatives web page and Guidance manual for additional information on responding to the notice, including how to submit the Excel Reporting File and Declarations of Stakeholder Interest and Non-Engagement.

If you require information from your foreign suppliers in order to respond to the notice, you may download the letter for foreign suppliers to include in your communications with them.

• British Columbia new code will make building safer, more accessible and resilient to climate change

The Province adopted the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) to provide people with a greater level of building safety and to make new buildings more sustainable, resilient and accessible.

• Manitoba issues safety alert on safe use of drain cleaning products

Several serious incidents have occurred recently due to mixing of draining cleaning products. These incidents resulted in one death and many severe injuries. Drain-cleaning products typically contain acids, such as sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid, or bases, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Mixing drain-cleaning products can result in explosive reactions and the creation of hazardous gases like hydrogen sulphide and chlorine gas. While injuries have occurred from using these products on their own, the severity of injuries can increase significantly when these products are combined. Effects reported to Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health include burns to the skin, eyes and internal lining of the respiratory system.

• Ontario reminds all carriers that handle dangerous goods to register with Transport Canada

Transportation firms involved in the movement of dangerous goods are now required to register their business or worksite with Transport Canada (TC).

• WorkSafeNB launches new hub for Joint Health and Safety Committees

WorkSafeNB is pleased to share a new online resource for joint health safety committees (JHSCs). JHSCs are a vital tool in creating and maintaining positive, injury-free workplaces in our province. Whether a new committee member, an employer starting a committee, or an experienced member and training provider, the new JHSC Centre includes all necessary information and services to help make New Brunswick’s workplaces healthy and safe.

• New Brunswick warns employers to watch out for misleading sales tactics

Please contact WorkSafeNB if you suspect fraudulent or misleading phone calls or emails. Employers who wish to file a complaint on the tactics of a company soliciting products and services can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495-8501. Some firms are contacting New Brunswick employers and suggesting they are non-compliant with provincial OHS laws. The representatives may claim to be WorkSafeNB or use aggressive sales tactics to push unneeded goods and services. These firms may use the WorkSafeNB or Government of New Brunswick logo without permission.

• Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics (“draft Strategy”) to help prevent the loss and waste of food, where possible, increase recycling of food and other organic materials to support a more circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and build cleaner and healthier communities. Comments must be received on or before January 4, 2024.

• Bill would force the FDA to regulate the amount of opiates in poppy seeds

(Food Safety News – December 5, 2023) Several consumer safety groups have banded together to support legislation that would put controls on the amount of opiate contamination of poppy seeds to help ensure their safety for consumption. Poppy seeds are sourced from the poppy plant, which can be cultivated to harvest opiates like morphine and codeine. The seeds themselves don’t contain substantial levels of these drugs, but they can be contaminated by plant sap and other plant parts that contain high levels of opiates.

• EPA’s Webinar: Proposed Rule Protect People from Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic Chemical Exposures

Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday, December 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. ET for a webinar on the Agency’s November 2023 proposed rule to further protect people from exposure to two chemicals that are toxic, remain in the environment for long periods of time, and accumulate in the body.

• California prioritizing laundry detergents containing nonylphenol ethoxylates

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) proposes to amend the California Code of Regulations, title 22, division 4.5, chapter 55, section 69511, and adopt section 69511.8. The written comment period will close on 12/31/2023.

• European decisions on authorisations of uses for Chromium Trioxide

The Commission has granted a total of 3 authorisations for 4 uses of chromium trioxide. Find the substances and all details on the Commission website.

Safety Share

• Keep Warehouse Workers Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it’s also a busy time for one of the largest industries in the country. With increased demand for shipping and fulfilling orders, many warehouse workers face potentially hazardous work conditions that could result in serious injuries.

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

• 5^th Annual Forum on Endocrine Disruptors – December 19-20, 2023 – Brussels, Belgium

The Forum is an annual event and brings together scientists and public and private stakeholders with expertise on endocrine disruptors to exchange information and best practices, identify challenges and build synergies. This year the Forum will include sessions on regulatory updates by the European Commission and Agencies; global developments; research; national, regional and local initiatives; and a specific focus on PFAS.

• FCC Food & Beverage: Future of Food Conference – February 13, 2024 – Ottawa

The Future of Food is back – live and in-person. Join us in Ottawa this February and connect with innovative leaders in agriculture and food. In this exciting day, you’ll learn how agriculture and food are evolving and innovating to drive change in creating a better future.

• 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.

• Society of Toxicology – 2024 Annual meeting and Toxexpo – March 10-14, 2024 – Salt Lake City, Utah

The 2024 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo will take place March 10–14, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit the 2024 website to view upcoming deadlines.

• Toronto Bakery Showcase – May 5-6, 2024 – Toronto Congress Centre

The Baking Association of Canada’s national baking industry event will feature a bustling trade show and conference, inspirational speakers, education sessions, competitions and demonstrations and countless opportunities to network and benefit your business.