Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 18, 2024
The Bureau of Nutritional Sciences in the Food Directorate has launched the second wave of Health Canada’s 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. In a world of increasing development pressures and changing natural processes, it is important to be able to assess and manage cumulative effects for the environment, socio-economic condition and human health. As part of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule, USDA National Organic Program (NOP) organic certificates will be standardized across all certifiers, starting March 19, 2024. Food exporters from Canada need to determine if there are unique requirements imposed by the foreign country, and if an export certificate is required from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In order to receive an export certificate, the CFIA requires exporters to demonstrate that they have control measures in place to ensure the safety of the foods they export, and that they meet all Canadian and / or foreign country requirements. The CFIA created this guide to help food businesses comply with the requirements set out in the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). The Substances Search tool has been updated with information current as of March 4th, 2024. Some lists did not need updates. The following lists have been updated: The Draft Assessment for the Low Boiling Point Naphthas Group and the Risk Management Scope for Low Boiling Point Naphthas Group (LBPNs) Subgroup 1 (C9-C14 hydrocarbon solvents), Subgroup 2 (C9 aromatic solvents), Subgroup 3 (C6-C9 aliphatic solvents) were published for a 60 day public comment period ending on May 15, 2024. Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines (FEQGs) provide thresholds of acceptable quality of the ambient environment. This factsheet describes the FEQGs for water and sediment to protect aquatic life from adverse effects of triclocarban. The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) assessed information on six substances (five chemicals and polymers and one living organism) and determined that they meet the criteria for addition to the Domestic Substances List, as set out in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) program is sharing the following Risk Assessment Publications Plan to inform stakeholders of publications from April to June 2024. The targeted publication dates are subject to change. The program anticipates sharing the Risk Assessment Publications Plan for July to September 2024 by summer 2024. Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada recognize the importance of stakeholder engagement. If you anticipate any challenges with providing comments within 60-day public comment periods, if applicable, please inform the program at the earliest opportunity. aAssessment presenting information on health and ecological considerations and, if criteria under s. 64 are met, a Risk Management Scope or Risk Management Approach document. bFederal Environmental Quality Guidelines (FEQGs) are recommendations in quantitative or qualitative terms to support federal environmental quality monitoring activities. Note: Group names are not final and may change.
On February 6, 2024, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved changes to Item C3-22.40, Compensable Consequences — Certain Diseases and Conditions, in the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II. Amendments were made to policy on cancer as a compensable consequence to reflect current medical and scientific literature. There is more time to have your say on the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code. The public engagement for proposed changes to the OHS Code is extended to April 2, 2024. Engagement is focused on the following parts: he Ontario government is marking the opening of a new commercial vehicle inspection station on Highway 11/17 near Thunder Bay. Commercial motor vehicles travelling on Ontario highways are subject to mandatory roadside safety inspections. The new inspection station in Shuniah will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to identify potential problems with commercial motor vehicles, such as underinflated tires and malfunctioning brakes. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending its regulations to define the conditions under which the labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products under mandatory inspection, as well as voluntarily inspected products, may bear voluntary label claims indicating that the product is of United States origin. As of the compliance date of this final rule, establishments will not need to include these claims on the label, but if they choose to include them, they will need to meet the requirements in this rule. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) is announcing a new importation flexibility for permits in APHIS eFile. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its draft risk evaluation for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for public comment and peer review. In the draft risk evaluation, EPA preliminarily finds that formaldehyde poses unreasonable risk to human health. The risk evaluation notes that these risks may not apply to everyone, everywhere and describes some of the sources of uncertainties in EPA’s findings. A notice has been published that contains the third set of FAQ regarding training requirements. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) outlines how its two scientific committees will progress in evaluating the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. Following the screening of a large number of comments received during the consultation, ECHA is clarifying the next steps for the proposal to restrict PFAS under REACH, the EU’s chemicals regulation. Safety Share Setting up your baby’s sleep space is an exciting time. Some products, decorating ideas and interior design trends might look cute, but could be dangerous for your baby. Put safety ahead of style. You often see infant pillows, blankets and other padded items in cribs. You may think these items will keep your baby cozy, but they actually pose a suffocation risk. Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected]. GlobalChem remains the chemical industry’s premier policy and regulatory conference. This annual gathering of industry professionals offers a valuable opportunity to not only review recent developments in global chemicals management but to also meet and reconnect with your industry peers and key government representatives. 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
Publications targeted for April to June
Acids and Bases Groupa
Aldehydes Groupa
Benzotriazoles and Benzothiazoles Groupa
Gas Oils and Kerosenes with Uses in Products Available to Consumersa
Iron FEQGb
Piperazinea
Select Hydrocarbon-based substances Groupa
State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances reporta
Substances Identified as Being of Low Concern using the Ecological Risk Classification of Inorganic Substances and Biomonitoring or Rapid Screening Science Approachesa
Canadian Provincial News
US News
International News
Other Relevant Information
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