Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Food - Various Subjects)

This communication pertains to amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on 4 May 2016. With the enactment of the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act (Bill C-38), the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) was subsequently amended to provide new ministerial authorities to incorporate documents by reference and to issue Marketing Authorizations. These amendments were intended to cut red tape, enable quicker health and safety interventions and make the food regulatory system more efficient and flexible, while continuing to protect the health and safety of Canadians. In keeping with the legislative authorities of Bill C-38, and to achieve regulatory efficiency gains, the following amendments to the FDR are being made:
- Repeal of Interim Marketing Authorization (IMA) provisions in the FDR that are no longer valid since the IMA authority in the FDA was replaced by the new Marketing Authorization (MA) authority;
- Repeal redundant provisions in Division 15 of the FDR to prevent possible confusion with respect to Maximum Residue Limits for veterinary drugs in food;
- Consolidate existing rules for contaminants and certain adulterants in foods into a single list incorporated by reference into Division 15 of the FDR. This will not introduce a policy change, but will increase transparency.

These amendments come into force the day on which they are published (4 May 2016). These amendments do not alter existing compliance activities under the provisions of the FDA and the FDR, which are enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Note: For Saccharin please refer to G/SPS/N/CAN/910/Add.1.