REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 4, 2023

• Food allergies mythbuster: What’s fact and what’s fiction?

Mythbusters is a regular newsletter feature which addresses common myths and misconceptions about food allergy and anaphylaxis. Help Food Allergy Canada educate your communities and share this mythbuster with them.

• Did you miss the Chemicals Management Plan Section 71 Webinar last week?

Please let me know if you missed the CEPA Section 71 webinar held on November 29^th, 2023. Environment and Climate Change Canada has provided me with the presentation of the session. Click to title to send the request by email.

• 4.4% increase to annual drug related registration and licence fees

Notice is hereby given, under subsection 30.61(1) of the Food and Drugs Act, that in keeping with section 4.1 of the 2020 Fees in Respect of Drugs and Medical Devices Order, every fee outlined in the Order is to be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI is calculated based on the percentage change over 12 months in the April All-items CPI for Canada, as published by Statistics Canada under the Statistics Act, for the previous fiscal year. The CPI for this year is 4.4%. This will include your Drug Establishment Licence to import Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). The increase begins April 1, 2024.

• Codex adopts new food safety and quality standards at 46th Commission

The 46th session of CAC adopted a series of new food safety and quality standards including: the new Guidelines for the Control of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Raw Beef, Fresh Leafy Vegetables, Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses, and Sprouts; the Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing; and Revisions to the Standard for Follow-up Formula (CXS 156-1986). A new Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins Contamination in Cassava and Cassava-based Products was also adopted, as well as Principles and Guidelines on the Use of Remote Audit and Inspection in Regulatory Frameworks and Revisions to General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-2004).

• Ontario Modernizing Agri-Food Research

Changes to the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act (ARIO) would, if passed, broaden the scope of research in Ontario to help the agri-food industry stay on the cutting edge of best production practices and implement new technologies and innovative techniques that will increase the competitiveness and productivity of the sector.

• Ontario WSIB has a new policy about claims for communicable illnesses

The WSIB has posted its Communicable Illnesses policy. This policy will guide initial entitlement decisions regarding communicable illness claims (such as COVID-19 claims) with an accident date on or after December 1, 2023.

• Ontario resource for supervisors of hybrid workers

Many Ontario employers are embracing the hybrid work model. As employees get used to this new way of working, supervisors must adjust how they manage their teams. When staff can be anywhere—and are no longer within eyeshot—what does it take to effectively manage them? Ontario offers ten tips for effectively supervising a hybrid team.

• Small Entity Compliance Guide: Final Rule to Revoke the Standards for Lowfat Yogurt and Nonfat Yogurt

he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this Small Entity Compliance guide to help explain the actions that a small entity must take to comply with 21 CFR parts 130 and 131, “Milk and Cream Products and Yogurt Products; Final Rule To Revoke the Standards for Lowfat Yogurt and Nonfat Yogurt and To Amend the Standard for Yogurt” after recent changes made in 2021 and 2022.

• FDA Rolls Out Third Wave of New FAQs and Tools for the Food Traceability Rule

The FDA rolled out new tools and FAQs to continue to inform stakeholders about the Food Traceability Rule and help covered entities come into compliance. The Food Traceability Rule is designed to facilitate faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, resulting in fewer foodborne illnesses and deaths. Foods subject to the final rule’s requirements appear on the Food Traceability List.

• FDA Releases Informational Video on Importing Human Food

The FDA released a YouTube video titled “Importing FDA-Regulated Products: Human Foods” that provides basic information for importers, foreign suppliers/exporters, and customs brokers on the steps they need to take to successfully import safe and compliant food into the United States. So far, the English-language video has received over 7,000 views.

• EPA Takes Action to Protect People from PFAS that Leach from Plastic Containers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued orders to Inhance Technologies LLC (Inhance) directing it not to produce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that are created in the production of its fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers.

• Changes in the New York Pesticide Reporting Law: How To Report Electronically

A 2022 amendment to the law requires all PRL annual reports due February 1, 2024 and thereafter to be reported in an electronic format developed or accepted by the DEC.

• Mexico Imposes Import Restrictions on 68 Chemicals

(CIRS) On October 23, 2023, the Mexican Ministry of Energy (SENER, also Secretaría de Energía) issued a Decree in its Federal Official Gazette to combat the illegal import of fuel. The Decree imposes temporary restrictions on the import of 68 chemicals and petrochemical products.

• IARC Monographs evaluate the carcinogenicity of PFOA and PFOS

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has evaluated the carcinogenicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOA is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), on the basis of sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental animals and strong mechanistic evidence (for epigenetic alterations and immunosuppression) in exposed humans. PFOS is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

• EU WTO notification on draft proposal related to new genomic techniques

The European Union (EU) has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a “Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European  Parliament and  of  the  Council  on  plants  obtained  by  certain  new  genomic  techniques  and  their  food and   feed, and   amending   Regulation   (EU)   2017/625″.

• Europe identifies risks from PVC additives and microparticle releases

The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) investigation found that some substances added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, like plasticisers, may pose risks to people and the environment. To limit the use of these additives and to minimise releases of PVC microparticles, regulatory action would be necessary. The investigation focused on 63 PVC additives, including plasticisers, heat stabilisers and flame retardants. The key findings suggest that regulatory action would be needed.

Safety Share

• Impairment in the workplace

As the holiday season approaches, it’s an opportune time to make sure you understand your responsibilities under Occupational Health and Safety legislation in regard to impairment in the workplace.

• Reduce the risk of solvents in the workplace

From solvent-based paints and glues to nail polish remover, solvents are fairly common in our lives. At work, solvents are often used as industrial cleaners, degreasers, or paint thinners. Those who work with solvents may become used to their strong smells, but may not have thought about the negative health effects solvents can have on their bodies.

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

• Canada – European Union CETA Agriculture Dialogue Sustainability Workshops – Dec 4-5, 2023 Brussels

As Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada begins to organize logistics around the Wrap-up Conference, we ask that parties interested in attending please reply to this message by September 8, 2023 email 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.