Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 29, 2024
Our weekly newsletter will be issued by email to you from [email protected] as of today. The sender will be identified as FPCSC and CCCA Newsletter. Please check you spam folder if you didn’t get the newsletter today. Before requesting a Safe Food for Canadians or (SFC) licence through My CFIA, visit inspection.gc.ca/safefood to determine if your business needs a licence. We also have received a PDF version of a step-by-step guide to applying online for the licence. Please send an email to [email protected] to obtain a copy. The food and beverage wholesale distribution industry is an integral part of Ontario’s food system. Considering how important the food and beverage wholesale distribution industry is to our daily lives, it was concerning to see that in 2022 it had a much higher lost-time injury (LTI) rate (1.22) than the general services sector (0.67). These numbers tell us that wholesale distribution workers were getting hurt more often than workers in the other sectors WSPS serves. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is requesting information through a questionnaire regarding the labelling of alcoholic beverages. This is to enable consideration on possible future actions by Codex on this matter. Codex members and observers are invited to respond to the questions in this Circular Letter taking into account the considerations provided in paragraph 5 and the further information provided in the questionnaire. Canada is working closely with other countries and international partners to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through the development of a new World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement. The development of the Agreement is expected to be completed and presented to the World Health Assembly in May 2024. Canada continues to actively engage in Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) meetings. The next meeting of the INB will take place in late February, where Member States will continue to discuss the negotiating text that was released in October 2023. The draft assessment for the Aluminium-containing Substances Group has been published. It is proposed to conclude that 2 substances, aluminum hydroxychloride (CASRN 1327-41-9) and aluminum chlorohydrate (CASRN 12042-91-0), may be harmful to human health, and meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). A risk management scope has been published concurrently to initiate discussions with stakeholders on the risk management options being considered. It is also proposed to conclude that the remaining 55 substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA. It is concluded that these substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA. The updated draft assessment for 2-pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl- (NMP – CASRN 872-50-4) and 2-pyrrolidinone, 1-ethyl- (NEP – CASRN 2687-91-4) has been published. It is proposed to conclude that NMP may be harmful to human health and meets the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA. A risk management scope has been published concurrently to initiate discussions with stakeholders on the risk management options being considered. It is also proposed to conclude that the remaining substance does not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA. The Government of Canada would like to inform you of the launch of a new list to the Substances Search Tool: Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 Schedule 1 and Certain Substances. This update is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the transparency of program information related to substances. The first phase of this list includes Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNs) for substances identified in regulatory impact analysis statements for the Schedule 1 orders or published in certain Chemicals Management Plan assessments with a Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) section 64 conclusion. CEPA Schedule 1 includes other CAS RN substances that have not been identified in this Substances Search list. If a substance is added to Schedule 1, there could be associated risk management measures to address potential environmental and human health risks that the substance may pose. For further information, see Toxic substances list. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this search tool, should any inconsistencies be found, the official versions of the text of the legislation, regulations, instruments, or notices, for example on the Justice website and Canada Gazette publications, prevail. Environment and Climate Change Canada will strive to update this list on the Substances Search tool quarterly.
The ministry, in partnership with organizations across Ontario, provides general information sessions on the Employment Standards Act (ESA). These information sessions are delivered by subject matter experts from the ministry and cover topics such as hours of work, public holidays, leaves of absence and more. The Ontario Photo Card is a wallet sized card that provides government-issued identification to those Ontarians who do not have a driver’s licence, making it easier for them to do things such as open a bank account and any other activities that require official identification. To increase transparency and assist stakeholders by highlighting its regulatory agenda, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Foods Program has posted a new website listing regulations it plans to publish by October 2024 and longer-term regulations it is prioritizing for publication at a later date. The FDA also updated the list of guidance topics that it is considering and expects to publish by the end of 2024. The list of guidance topics was last updated in July 2023. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that a proposed collection of information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 covering Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Human Food and Cosmetics Manufactured From, Processed With, or Otherwise Containing Material From Cattle. DATES: Submit written comments (including recommendations) on the collection of information by February 26, 2024. A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. (Congressional Record 14 December 2023 [House] Pages H6983-H6986) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals under TSCA Section 6(h), (EPA ICR Number 2599.03, OMB Control Number 2070-0213) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through January 31, 2024. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on March 10, 2023, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Vehicle owners are required to report vehicles subject to the Clean Truck Check – Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS) reporting database by January 31, 2024, to meet the 2023 requirements. Beginning in 2024, vehicle owners are responsible for maintaining accurate account information for vehicles operating in California and must update their account within 30 calendar days of a transaction to add or remove a vehicle. Clean Truck Check applies to nearly all diesel and alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds that operate in California. This includes both in-state and out-of-state vehicles, as well as public vehicles (federal, state, and local government); motorcoaches; transit, shuttle and school buses; hybrid vehicles; commercial vehicles; personal vehicles; California registered motorhomes; single vehicle fleets; and vehicles registered outside of California (not including motorhomes). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a Notice in the Federal Register to the extension of the review period for Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims for specific identify of all active chemical substances listed on the confidential portion of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory submitted to the EPA under TSCA. EPA has determined that an extension of the statutory review period for the review of CBI claims under TSCA are necessary to allow the Agency to complete the required reviews under TSCA. DATES: The review period is extended to February 19, 2025. Effective December 29, 2023, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has added bisphenol S (BPS) [CASRN 80-09-1] to the Proposition 65 list as a reproductive toxicant (female reproductive endpoint). This listing was done via the “State’s Qualified Experts” mechanism, based on the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee’s (DARTIC) determination that this chemical was clearly shown to cause female reproductive toxicity. The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) now contains 240 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. One of the five chemicals added to the list is toxic for reproduction, three are very persistent and very bioaccumulative and one is toxic for reproduction and persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. They are found in products such as inks and toners, adhesives and sealants and washing and cleaning products. Companies are responsible for managing the risks of these chemicals and giving customers and consumers information on their safe use. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published conclusions for substances which means that a Member State has evaluated or will evaluate it over the coming years. The list is called the Community rolling action plan (CoRAP). These 3 substances have been added: The Commission has granted three authorisations for two uses of 1,2-dichloroethane and one use of 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated. It has also corrected one decision granting authorisation for four uses of 4-(1,1,3,3-Tetra methylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated. Find the substances and all details on Commission’s website. Safety Share Working in cold environments can put you at higher risk of injuries and illnesses. Managers and workers need to recognize how low temperatures, wind and wetness affect people’s ability to stay safe. 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. 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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