By Vanessa Ling Yu
As of Friday, May 10th, 2013, Canadians from coast to coast can suddenly choose from more “local” food options since the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced an interim policy on its website in an effort to “modernize its food labeling approach.” The shift marks CFIA’s recognition of an “approach that is outdated,” having originated back in 1974, which “does not reflect current food production practices or consumer needs and expectations.” The CFIA’s previous policy had restricted the use of the terms “local” or “locally grown” to food originating within a 50 km radius of the place where it was sold, or food originating from within the same local government unit or adjacent government unit.
The following few weeks will involve a review of food labelling regulations, guidelines and policies including claims such as “local,” with input from consumers, industry and other stakeholders. Meanwhile, claims such as “local” and related qualifiers will remain voluntary and subject to regulations outlined in the Food and Drugs Act and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, but may for now go so far as to include:
- “food produced in the province or territory in which it is sold,” or
- “food sold across provincial borders within 50 km of the originating province or territory”
