Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 22, 2024
We have a few clients who are making products that they want to call “non-alcoholic” and we have learned that they have been under the impression that the US standard of 0.5% meets a non-alcoholic claim in Canada – which is not correct – here the written response from CFIA that in Canada the level for this claim is 0.05%: Based on the interpretive guidance provided in the Negative Claims Pertaining to the Absence or Non-Addition of a Substance portion of the Food composition and quality claims section of the ILT, a negative claim about the absence of a substance from a food may be acceptable when the substance is totally absent from the food (i.e., because it is not inherent to the food), not added either directly or indirectly to the food or has been removed from the final food. In the specific case of alcoholic beverages, since it is technically feasible to remove alcohol down to 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV), a beverage which has had its alcohol content reduced to a level less than 0.05% ABV would be considered non-alcoholic or alcohol-free. Therefore, the term “non-alcoholic” or “alcohol-free” may be used to describe such a product, as part of the common name, in line with the true nature requirements (for example, non-alcoholic beer).” It is important to note that food businesses are responsible for ensuring that any voluntary claims they make on the label of a prepackaged food product is truthful and not misleading. The person purchasing the food should be provided with sufficient and clear information on the meaning of a given voluntary claim so that they can make an informed purchasing decision. In addition, the food business should be able to provide information to the consumer and the CFIA to substantiate the claim when asked. The USDA has broadened the definition of a “Handler” to now include any operation that Imports Organic products/ingredients to US. This significant change means that certain activities, previously not under scrutiny, now fall within the regulatory scope and are subject to certification. The following is a good example of what can happen when selling online and including inappropriate health claims. This mushroom supplier learned the hard way when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the website. This e-learning series on the Codex Alimentarius Commission focusses on reviewing the structure and operations of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The Competition Bureau is warning businesses to watch out for reviews posted by their employees that don’t properly disclose their business connection. When posting online reviews about their company or its competitors, employees must disclose all connections they have with the business, product or service they promote, even if they’re providing their honest opinion. These connections have the potential to affect how consumers evaluate the reviewer’s independence. This applies to all types of reviews, including testimonials on social media. Appendix 2 of Health Canada’s Category Specific Guidance for Temporary Marketing Authorization: Supplemented Foods, is a list of novel food ingredients that were previously considered eligible for use in supplemented foods on a case-by-case basis subject to further safety assessment. The Food Directorate has completed the safety assessment for most of these ingredients, and intends to publish a list of all of the results of these assessments on our webpage in the future. Until such time, a copy of the individual assessments can be requested by emailing the Supplemented Foods email account ([email protected]). This issue shares important updates, such as the upcoming change to service standards for claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, and a final call-out for speakers and topics for the Spring 2024 multi-stakeholder workshop. 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.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is conducting a Material Handling campaign to help reduce these risks. Running April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024, the initiative is focused on facilities or operations where large or bulky materials, articles or things are lifted, carried, or moved. Inspections of manufacturing and agricultural facilities are underway. In addition to free tools and resources, WSPS is pleased to offer manufacturing, agriculture or service-based businesses in Ontario help to identify material handling hazards and recommend strategies to reduce risks at no cost. The PEI Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is inviting all individuals and organizations interested in learning more about emergency management to sign up for free training courses. The Emergency Management Training offered through PEI EMO offers a variety of online and in-person training courses at different levels, ranging from introductory level courses to more advanced training in incident command and management. The color additive manufacturers provide FDA’s Color Certification Branch (CCB) with a representative sample of each color additive batch. CCB analyzes the color additive sample to ensure that it meets the specifications listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 74), which identifies the certifiable color additives. If the sample meets the specifications, CCB provides a certificate for that color additive batch. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) invites interested parties to submit nominations for membership on the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH). DATES: Nominations for FACOSH must be submitted (postmarked, sent, transmitted, or received) by February 23, 2024. The U.S. Department of Labor announced changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2024. OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase from $15,625 per violation to $16,131 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $156,259 per violation to $161,323 per violation. This is the finding of EFSA’s opinion on the public health risk linked to the presence of inorganic arsenic in food, confirming the outcome of EFSA’s previous assessment from 2009. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is pleased to announce Meeting 138, Automotive gasoline and some oxygenated additives, of the IARC Monographs. The meeting will be held on 25 February to 4 March 2025. The European Commission has requested us to gather further information on flame retardants, with a particular focus on aromatic brominated flame retardants. Safety Share Workplaces and their workers both have a role to play in creating a respectful and civil work environment. Get started by sharing this infographic about civility and respect, and the policies and everyday actions that can help workers feel safe, comfortable, and valued. Frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot are just some of the cold weather consequences workers can face if their feet aren’t protected. But with the proper procedures and the right gear, workers – and their feet – can stay protected. Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected]. The Organic Conference features workshops and a trade show. 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. 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
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