The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reportedly been asked by a Canadian biotechnology company to approve its genetically modified (GM) apple, which resists browning after it is sliced. The British Columbia-based company apparently licensed the non-browning technology from an Australian company that developed it for potatoes. Approval of the GM technology could take several years, and U.S. apple growers have reportedly expressed concerns about cross-pollination with conventional apple trees as well as the cost of replanting apple groves with the “Arctic” apples, a figure estimated at $10,000 to $20,000 per acre. Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety, criticized the proposal, apparently claiming, “A botox apple is not what people are looking for. I’m predicting failure.” Yet, the sliced apple market has increased in recent years, with suppliers relying on calcium and ascorbic acid to maintain product freshness. The company seeking the GM apple’s approval claims that the…
Category Archives Canada
Environment Canada has published a final order adding bisphenol A (BPA) to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA 1999), a move that will make it easier for agencies to regulate the substance. “The Government of Canada has a strong record of taking action on Bisphenol A to protect the environment and health of Canadians,” stated Environment Minister Jim Prentice in an October 13, 2010, press release. “We are continuing our leadership on this issue and Canadians can rest assured that we are working hard to monitor and manage Bisphenol A.” Claiming that BPA exposure “can result from dietary intake, environmental media, use of consumer products, and other sources,” the final order adopts “a precautionary approach” based on animal and human studies that allegedly showed the potential for neurobehavioral and developmental effects in newborns and infants. The order also notes environmental concerns, citing evidence “that exposure to…
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavorings, and processing aids has released its latest risk assessment for bisphenol A, concluding that there was not any “new evidence which would lead them to revise the current Tolerable Daily Intake [TDI] for BPA of 0.05 mg/kg body weight set . . . in its 2006 opinion and re-confirmed in its 2008 opinion.” The CEF panel undertook the reassessment at the request of the European Commission, which directed scientists to (i) decide on the basis of recent literature whether to update the TDI; (ii) “assess a new study on possible neurodevelopmental effects”; and (iii) advise on a risk assessment made by the National Food Institute at the Technical University of Denmark. Although one minority opinion evidently raised questions about “adverse health effects below the level used to determine the current TDI,” panel members agreed on shortcomings in…
Canadian health ministers reportedly met in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to discuss several health initiatives, including a plan to reduce the daily recommended intake of sodium to 2,300 mg from 3,400 mg by 2016. According to a September 14, 2010, press release issued by Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky, government officials in attendance considered (i) “a framework for action to promote healthy weights (including reducing childhood obesity)”; (ii) “a commitment to make marketing healthy foods for children a priority”; and (iii) “supporting the call of Canadian Premiers for everyone to lower their personal sodium intake (including encouraging the food industry to meet voluntary targets for sodium reduction in prepared and packaged foods).” The ministers have reportedly accepted the new target sodium levels, which were the subject of closed-door meetings with Canadian Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. “Our interim goal is to see the Canadian populations reduce their average sodium intake…
A coalition representing more than 40 consumer, environmental and scientific groups has submitted a comment to the Canadian General Standards Board Committee (CGSBC), objecting to several provisions in a proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard. According to a press release, the joint letter alleges that the draft standard “is contrary to the basic principles of organics as it would allow certification of net pen farmed salmon” and other carnivorous finfish. The signatories take particular umbrage at the sections relating to net pen production that would reportedly permit (i) antibiotic and pesticide use; (ii) “uncontrolled” waste disposal into the ocean; (iii) unlimited use of “sustainable” wild fish in feed; and (iv) feed containing 30 percent or less “non-organic, unsustainable sources” if organic sources are not available. The letter also raises concern about “the spread of disease and parasites lethal to wild fish,” as well as the possibility of escaping farm fish and…
Environment Canada has reportedly announced its intention to place bisphenol A (BPA) on the country’s list of toxic substances within eight to 10 weeks, thus ending a regulatory process started in April 2008 when the government first banned polycarbonate baby bottles. According to a recently released letter from Environment Minister Jim Prentice, the agency has formally rejected the American Chemistry Council’s July 15, 2009, request for a review board because the group purportedly did not supply “any new scientific data or information with respect to the nature and extent of the danger posed by bisphenol A.” Environment Canada will provide opportunities for further comment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act “following the publication of instruments for the preventive or control action of bisphenol A, such as a proposed regulation.” See Postmedia News, August 17, 2010. The news came shortly after Statistics Canada released a study examining lead and BPA concentrations…
The Canadian Sodium Working Group (SWG) has released a report detailing a three-pronged strategy that aims to reduce the public’s salt consumption. After examining the issue for two years, the federally mandated group has established an interim sodium intake goal of a population average of 2,300 mg per day by 2016, with the ultimate goal of lowering “sodium intakes to a population mean whereby as many individuals as possible (greater than 95%) have a daily intake below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 2,300 mg per day.” To achieve these targets, the strategy contains six overarching and 27 specific recommendations focused on reducing sodium levels in processed food products and foods sold in restaurant and food service establishments; educating consumers, industry, health professionals, and other key stakeholders; and undertaking new research. In particular, the report urges (i) “published sodium reduction targets for foods”; (ii) “defined timelines”; (iii) “a mechanism…
Health Canada’s Bureau of Chemical Safety has released a survey of bisphenol A (BPA) in canned foods that finds low rates of exposure and no risk to public health. Researchers apparently examined samples from 78 domestic and imported canned food products, including pastas, soups, tomato paste, tuna and vegetables. The results indicated that canned tuna products and condensed soups had “the highest BPA levels, in general,” while tomato paste had levels that were “considerably lower.” According to Health Canada, these findings “are consistent with those of past surveys and are not considered to represent a human health concern.” The agency, however, reiterated its commitment to working with the food packaging industry “to better identify the factors which may influence BPA migration to food, with a goal to limit human exposure to BPA to the greatest extent possible.” In a related development, Germany’s environmental agency, Umweltbundesamt (UBA), has advised manufacturers, importers and…
Health Canada has issued a proposed policy intent that would update current gluten-free labeling guidelines to reduce risks related to the accidental consumption of undeclared gluten and expand choices for consumers following a gluten-free diet. Gluten, a protein found in cereal grains such as wheat, barley and rye, can trigger the autoimmune disorder celiac disease (CD). Although oats do not contain gluten, food products containing oats currently cannot use the term “gluten-free” on labeling in the event they have been inadvertently contaminated with gluten from other grains during harvesting, processing or transportation. Since that policy was enacted, however, Health Canada has concluded that individuals with CD who can tolerate oats may benefit from consumption of uncontaminated oats (those “specifically produced to be free of gluten from other cereals”). The agency is accepting public comments until July 11, 2010. See Health Canada Website, May 10, 2010.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials recently solicited public and industry feedback on a proposal to loosen country-of-origin labeling guidelines by exempting specific ingredients difficult to obtain in Canada. The amendment would reportedly exclude imported salt, sugar and other spices from provisions that require processed products labeled “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” to obtain 98.5 percent of their ingredients from domestic sources. Speaking to food and beverage company representatives at an April 19, 2010, conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Minister of State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn apparently reaffirmed his commitment to working on the labeling issue to secure a competitive future for the Canadian food processing industry. According to Blackburn, public consultations are slated to begin this month with a consensus on the proposed changes expected by the end of June 2010. See AAFC Press Release and Parliamentary Bureau, April 19, 2010; Farmscape, April 20, 2010.
