Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 9, 2023
Fires have a devastating impact on families and communities, and it’s important to remember that they can spread quickly. The International Featured Standards has released the publication of IFS Food version 8. The IFS Food Standard reviews the products and production processes to evaluate a food producer’s ability to produce safe, authentic, and quality products according to legal requirements and customer specifications. The Fertilizer Act and Regulations submissions for pre-market authorization are product specific meaning that each fertilizer or fertilizer product is subject to registration. A diluted version of an authorized product therefore requires a separate registration. A “me-too” label registration is not be an option because the guarantees are typically not the same. Diluted product pre-authorization submissions to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency should be approved during the First Review and likely will not require an additional safety review. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week traffic-enforcement and safe-driving awareness and educational initiative was held from July 10 to 16, officers issued 4,494 tickets/citations and 5,756 warnings to drivers – commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers combined. A total of 4,592 warnings and 2,634 tickets/citations were given to commercial motor vehicle drivers, and officers issued 1,164 warnings and 1,860 tickets/citations to passenger vehicle drivers. Health Canada is notifying parties that this consultations has been extended until October 20, 2023. Health Canada has developed a technical document to provide regulatory authorities and decision makers with an objective for the level of iron substances in Canadian drinking water supplies. We’re looking for comments on this draft document from regulatory authorities, decision makers and the public. The consultation closes November 28, 2023. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada’ would like to inform you that a final guideline was recently published regarding impurities in pharmaceuticals. Transport Canada announced the coming into force of regulations allowing Transport Canada to fine persons or companies who violate the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Under the new regulations, penalties (which are similar to fines) can range up to $4,000 for an individual violating the Act, and up to $200,000 for a company.
The new legislation, introduced on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, incorporates lessons learned from recent emergencies and reflects modern risks and realities, including climate change and transmissible diseases, such as COVID-19. The legislation adheres to the United Nations’ best practices for disaster risk reduction and incorporates all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Discussions focus on some potential causes and common signs of impairment. Provides examples of how employer, supervisor and worker general duty requirements under the OHS Act apply to impairment, and some related best practices. With fewer workplace accidents, improved rehabilitation and return-to-work outcomes, and a strong funded position, WorkSafeNB has once again reduced the average annual assessment rate. The organization is pleased to announce that the 2024 rate has been set at $1.18 per $100 of assessable payroll, down from $1.31 in 2023. This rate is the lowest average rate in Atlantic Canada and the second lowest in the country, based on currently available information. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has updated its infant formula compliance program for FDA investigators, laboratory analysts, and compliance officers. The compliance program is designed to comprehensively outline the agency’s approach for inspections, sample collection, sample analysis, and compliance activities to help ensure that infant formula products in the U.S. food supply are safe and nutritious. This effort is part of the FDA’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the safety, resiliency, and oversight of the infant formula industry. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has launched a request for comments to assure public safety, shippers and carriers must take reasonable measures to plan and implement procedures to prevent unauthorized persons from taking control of, or attacking, hazardous materials shipments. Part 172 of the HMR requires persons who offer or transport certain hazardous materials to develop and implement written plans to enhance the security of hazardous materials shipments. The security plan requirements as prescribed in Sec. 172.800(b) apply to specific types of shipments. Such shipments include but are not limited to: shipments greater than 3,000 kg (6,614 pounds) for solids or 3,000 liters (792 gallons) for certain liquids and gases in a single packaging such as a cargo tank motor vehicle, portable tank, tank car, or other bulk container; any quantity of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material; a large bulk quantity of a Division 2.1 material; or any quantity of a poison-by-inhalation material. A security plan will enable shippers and carriers to reduce the possibility that a hazardous materials shipment will be used as a weapon of opportunity by a terrorist or criminal. Submit comments by December 4, 2023. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is adopting new Reference Exposure Levels (RELs) for Trimethylbenzenes (TMB) for use in the Air Toxics Hot Spots Program. RELs are airborne concentrations of a chemical that are not anticipated to result in adverse noncancer health effects for specified exposure durations in the general population, including sensitive subpopulations. The adopted RELs cover different types of exposure to TMB in air: infrequent 1-hour exposures, repeated 8-hour exposures, and continuous long-term exposure. These fee adjustments reflect technological improvements and will maintain quality service from the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), which supports the growth and trust of the global organic community. With your support, we continue to improve online functionality to provide more streamlined and efficient service. We have successfully reduced median initial review time to 12 weeks and continue to optimize internal processes to further reduce turnaround times. This library includes the use description and the input parameters for workers exposure assessment (SWEDs), for consumers exposure assessment (SCEDs) and for environmental exposure assessment (SPERCs), made available by sector organisations for their typical uses. The information aims at supporting registrants in preparing their chemical safety assessments (CSAs). Registrants will find here the use description for key typical products, as agreed at sector level, as well as the associated conditions of use. This provides a realistic basis for their chemical safety assessment. Parties concerned are invited to comment on hazard classes open for consultation regarding acetophenone proposal to add Reproductive Toxicity, Category 1B and replace Acute Toxicity, oral with Specific Target Organ Toxicity, Single Exposure, Inhalation. Safety Share Did you know you can prevent workplace musculoskeletal (MSD) injuries, increase employee well-being and improve overall productivity, all with the help of ergonomics? So many of you work in such loud environments, and we know that it can be easy to forget about your safety sometimes, so that’s why we are taking a pause from talking about courses, trainings, and certifications to remind you to protect your ears and wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)! Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected]. The World Food Forum officially unveiled its theme for 2023: “Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action” and launched its activities for the year culminating in a series of global events, competitions and actions taking place from 16-20 October at the Rome headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The International Baking Association (IBA) trade fair, a leading trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry set for Oct. 22-26 in Munich, will feature an area focused on innovative start-up businesses. Coming together to share in the crucial work of making people safe is now more important than ever, as new safety challenges continue to redefine the ways in which we live and work. Disaster Forum is Canada’s premier event for emergency/crisis management and business continuity professionals to discuss and analyze best practices, tools, and support for the community of practice. Held at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on October 24 – 26, delegates will have the opportunity to learn from and engage with leaders in Emergency Management and business continuity from industry, government and communities across Canada. IHSA welcomes you to join us via Zoom for the second annual NCSO®/NHSA™ Educational Conference on Thursday, Nov. 23rd at 8:00 a.m. This half-day event will provide NCSO/NHSAs with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of relevant health and safety topics and learn more about some of the key areas important to maintaining their NCSO®/NHSA™ status. 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] 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. 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. 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.Advocacy
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