Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26, 2024
(Dr. Amy Prouxl) We can all agree the food industry needs to reduce its reliance on plastics, especially those that cannot be recycled, composted, or reused. In Canada, the food industry produces 35 per cent of all plastic waste, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Canadian Comprehensive Zero Plastic Waste agenda has prioritized plastic reduction in the food retail industry. (Gowling WLG: Lewis Retik, William Bjornsson) On May 12, 2023, Health Canada published a cost recovery proposal for natural health products (NHPs). The dietary supplement industry’s response has been overwhelmingly critical of the proposal for a variety of reasons. In the meantime, many of our food clients have asked whether this proposal has any impact on the food industry, even if indirectly. The short answer is an overwhelming “yes.” The food industry should watch closely. If Health Canada successfully implements any or all of the elements of its proposal for NHPs, it is reasonable to expect that similar proposals by Health Canada may impact food companies in the future. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continually engages with industry to seek feedback on agency services, regulations and food safety, plant and animal health. Over the next few months, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be conducting three new Public Opinion Research (POR) projects, divided into three multi-phased projects separated by topic – Animal, Plant and Food – and will be used to help inform Agency policy and activities. Main supplier: Quorus Consulting Group. Should you be contacted to participate in survey, you should know the POR was contracted to third-party research firms, each of whom qualified for a standing offer for POR services with the Government of Canada. The research is legitimate and adheres to standards for the conduct of Government of Canada POR. Participation is voluntary and individual responses will be aggregated and used for analysis purposes only. Participation will not affect any business relationships with the CFIA. While commonly referred to as essential oils, it can be a misunderstood term. Unlike essential nutrients, essential oils are not essential to health. “Essential” refers to the essence of the plant, rather than any health benefits. As we can be exposed to numerous essential oils in the products we use, it is important to know if they are safe. That is where Health Canada scientists come in. Health Canada would like to inform you that we have recently launched a consultation on one of the topics of interest to you. Releases of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during storage and loading of petroleum liquids pose environmental and health risks to Canadians. These proposed regulations would require petroleum liquid storage tanks and loading racks to be equipped with emissions control equipment. Facilities that would be subject to the proposed regulations include petroleum liquid terminals and bulk plants, petroleum refineries, upgraders, and petrochemical facilities across Canada. The operators of these facilities would be required to install, inspect, maintain and repair equipment to ensure adequate emissions control performance. Pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the “Act”), the Minister of the Environment published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on February 4, 2023, a notice with respect to the proposed Code of Practice for the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemical Substances in the Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber Sectors, under subsection 54(1) of the Act. The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) have assessed information pertaining to the substance octanamide, N-hydroxy-, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 7377-03-9. The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is responsible for pesticide regulation in Canada. The public registry is where you can learn more about all pest control products registered for use in Canada.
Alberta’s government continues to review and update the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code), which contains detailed technical requirements for controlling health and safety hazards at the province’s workplaces. A new online survey enables Albertans to provide their input between Feb. 20 and March 19. California and Quebec released the results of the 38th joint cap-and-trade auction of carbon allowances from both jurisdictions. The final numbers include sales figures and settlement prices for Current Vintage (2024) and Advanced Vintage (2027). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is amending its regulations to update a link regarding user fee disputes. This technical amendment is non-substantive. DATES: This rule is effective February 26, 2024. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing amendments to the 2018 final rule that established fees for the administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Specifically, EPA is finalizing changes to the fee amounts and EPA’s total costs for administering TSCA; exemptions for entities subject to the EPA-initiated risk evaluation fees; exemptions for test rule fee activities; modifications to the self-identification and reporting requirements of EPA-initiated risk evaluation and test rule fees; modifications to EPA’s proposed methodology for the production-volume-based fee allocation for EPA-initiated risk evaluation fees in any scenario in which a consortium is not formed; expanded fee requirements to companies required to submit information for test orders; modifications to the fee payment obligations of processors subject to test orders and enforceable consent agreements (ECA); and extended timeframes for certain fee payments and notices. DATES: This rule is effective on April 22, 2024. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the latest Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory. The Inventory contains 86,741 chemicals of which 42,293 are active in U.S commerce. Other updates to the TSCA Inventory include updates to commercial activity data, unique identifier data and regulatory flags (e.g., significant new use rules and test orders). The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is looking for comments on a draft screening report and relevant information on 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated and 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated in products (articles). The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a screening report to assess whether the use of Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (Diglyme) in articles should be restricted in accordance with REACH Article 69(2). Commission decisions approving active substances: Safety Share (CCOHS) As clocks spring forward, workers across Canada may feel the impacts on their sleep schedules – and workdays too. Here’s how to help keep workers well rested and safe during daylight saving time. Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected]. Businesses needed to re-evaluate health and safety protocols and the importance of continuing to educate workers and address issues that are relevant to today’s workforce remains a priority. Some of the biggest challenges faced include supply chain disruptions, resource limitations, staff shortages/high turnover, and supporting a psychologically safe workplace. 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. 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. Weaving together technical application presentations with case studies and project overviews, ensure your seat at the table for this important plant operations conference! Plan to attend Canada’s premier environmental event, as it returns to a fully in-person format that is designed to meet your compliance needs, and connect you to experts and peers. 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. Collaborate and network with thousands of your colleagues, experts from several industries, and NFPA staff on life, fire, and electrical safety innovation at the 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo.Advocacy
Canadian Federal News
Canadian Provincial News
US News
International News
Other Relevant Information
EVENTS
Comments are closed