Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 (FSQA) Guide
Ontario's Provincial Rules and Requirements for Preparing and Selling Food Legislative Intent and Scope The Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 (FSQA) was created to provide a legal structure for managing the safety and quality of food and agricultural products in Ontario. Its main goal is to ensure that any food sold, processed, or produced in...
Read MoreWhat is DineSafe Toronto?
The City of Toronto's Food Premises Inspection Program Municipal Authority Over Food Establishments The City of Toronto, through its municipal by-laws, holds the primary authority to regulate food establishments operating within its boundaries. This authority is exercised to protect public health and safety. These municipal regulations work in conjunction with provincial laws, creating a layered...
Read MoreNHP vs Food – What Is My Product?
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape: Food Versus Natural Health Product Foods Under the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations In Canada, conventional foods are primarily governed by the Food and Drugs Act and its associated Food and Drug Regulations. These regulations outline the standards for safety, labelling, and composition for products intended for consumption as part...
Read MoreOntario’s Healthy Menu Choices Act
Find Out What Restaurants Need to Put Calories On Their Menus and Menuboard Signs The Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015, is a piece of Ontario legislation that came into effect on January 1, 2017. Its primary purpose is to require certain food service providers to display calorie information for standard food and beverage items. This...
Read MoreNovel Foods Regulation in Canada
What are Novel Foods in Canada? Defining Novel Foods Under Canadian Regulations In Canada, the definition of a “novel food” is quite specific and is laid out in the Food and Drug Regulations. Essentially, a novel food is any food that doesn't have a history of being safely used as food in Canada. This can include...
Read MoreNutrition Facts Table Requirements in Canada
Learn About The Table of Nutritional Info Required on Most Canadian Pre-Packaged Food Products Overview of Applicable Food and Drug Regulations The requirements for the Nutrition Facts table (NFt) in Canada are primarily established by the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR). These regulations, specifically sections B.01.401 through B.01.406, dictate what nutritional information must be declared and how...
Read MoreHow to Prepare for a CFIA Audit or Inspection
Get To Know The Legal Framework for CFIA Audits of Food and Animal Establishments The Mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) operates under a broad mandate to safeguard Canada's food supply and animal and plant resources. Its primary objective is to protect Canadians from unsafe food and to...
Read MoreHow To Start a Food Brand
Starting a Compliant Food Product in The Canadian Food Landscape Canada presents a dynamic and diverse market for food brands. With a population that values quality, safety, and increasingly, health-conscious options, understanding the nuances of this landscape is the first step to a successful launch. The Canadian food industry is characterized by a strong regulatory...
Read MoreHow To Launch a Beverage Brand
The Canadian Beverage Market Launching a beverage brand in Canada involves more than just a good idea and a tasty product. The Canadian beverage market is shaped by unique consumer preferences, a competitive retail environment, and significant regulatory expectations. Brand owners are expected to comply with strict rules, so it's not just the flavour or look of...
Read MoreHow To Open a Restaurant in Toronto
Tips To Starting a Restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area Market Research and Concept Development Starting a restaurant in Toronto means you're jumping into a busy food scene. Before you even think about menus or decor, you really need to get a feel for what's already out there. This isn't just about seeing what other...
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