Proposal
Potential amendments to Ontario Regulation 119/11 Produce, Honey and Maple Products, under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001
Regulation Number(s):
O.Reg. 119/11
Instrument Type:
Proposal
Bill or Act:
Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001
Summary of Decision:
Amendments to Ontario Regulation 119/11 (Produce, Honey and Maple Products) under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 have been approved.
The changes to the retail maple syrup grade name and new colour classes are approved. A two year transition period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 is in place to allow industry the option to comply with the former grading and colour classification system or the new grading and colour classification system. As of January 1, 2018, the new system will become mandatory. The use of taste descriptors is optional, and if used, they are prescribed for each particular colour class.
Two changes to strengthen food safety requirements have been approved. First, food-grade materials will be required for all equipment, utensils, containers and other food contact surfaces used during the production and packaging of maple products or during the collection, storage or transportation of maple sap where the products and sap are intended to be sold. Second, a production code to improve traceability is required on all bulk and retail containers of maple syrup. These amendments come into force January 1, 2018 to provide the industry with time to adjust to the changes.
Two minor amendments are included that revoke: 1) an outdated prohibition on the packing of Ontario Processing Grade maple syrup in a bulk container that is less than 20 litres in size, and 2) an expired provision that created a transitional period to meet certain grading requirements. These amendments come into force January 1, 2016.
Changes related to product quality and origin labelling were also explored during consultations. These items will not be addressed through regulatory amendments but some will be included as best practices in a guidance document developed for the maple industry. Based on feedback received through consultations, amendments requiring maple operations to identify their businesses are not being made at this time.
The changes to the retail maple syrup grade name and new colour classes are approved. A two year transition period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 is in place to allow industry the option to comply with the former grading and colour classification system or the new grading and colour classification system. As of January 1, 2018, the new system will become mandatory. The use of taste descriptors is optional, and if used, they are prescribed for each particular colour class.
Two changes to strengthen food safety requirements have been approved. First, food-grade materials will be required for all equipment, utensils, containers and other food contact surfaces used during the production and packaging of maple products or during the collection, storage or transportation of maple sap where the products and sap are intended to be sold. Second, a production code to improve traceability is required on all bulk and retail containers of maple syrup. These amendments come into force January 1, 2018 to provide the industry with time to adjust to the changes.
Two minor amendments are included that revoke: 1) an outdated prohibition on the packing of Ontario Processing Grade maple syrup in a bulk container that is less than 20 litres in size, and 2) an expired provision that created a transitional period to meet certain grading requirements. These amendments come into force January 1, 2016.
Changes related to product quality and origin labelling were also explored during consultations. These items will not be addressed through regulatory amendments but some will be included as best practices in a guidance document developed for the maple industry. Based on feedback received through consultations, amendments requiring maple operations to identify their businesses are not being made at this time.
Further Information:
Discussion Paper
Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 and O. Reg. 119/11
Proposal Number:
15-MAFRA006
Posting Date:
May 29, 2015
Summary of Proposal:
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is considering amendments to Ontario Regulation 119/11 Produce, Honey and Maple Products under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001.
The prospective amendments would change the way maple syrup is graded, classified and labelled in the province. These changes would further align the federal and provincial maple syrup grading and classification standards.
Other potential amendments would support food safety. For example, changes could include clarifying and strengthening good manufacturing practices and requiring food-grade storage containers be used in all maple operations. Consideration is being given to having maple operations identify their business to OMAFRA. Changes related to product quality are also being explored. These potential changes would support both the safety and reputation of Ontario maple products.
In addition, the ministry is looking for ways to help maple producers grow their businesses and is seeking input on determining the best path forward to support the development of emerging products.
The province seeks input on these potential regulatory amendments. To view a more detailed discussion paper that describes the content of the potential changes, please see the link below under "Further Information".
The prospective amendments would change the way maple syrup is graded, classified and labelled in the province. These changes would further align the federal and provincial maple syrup grading and classification standards.
Other potential amendments would support food safety. For example, changes could include clarifying and strengthening good manufacturing practices and requiring food-grade storage containers be used in all maple operations. Consideration is being given to having maple operations identify their business to OMAFRA. Changes related to product quality are also being explored. These potential changes would support both the safety and reputation of Ontario maple products.
In addition, the ministry is looking for ways to help maple producers grow their businesses and is seeking input on determining the best path forward to support the development of emerging products.
The province seeks input on these potential regulatory amendments. To view a more detailed discussion paper that describes the content of the potential changes, please see the link below under "Further Information".
Contact Address:
Name: Andrea Smallwood
Title: Policy Advisor, Legislative Policy Unit
Branch: Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch
Address:1 Stone Road West, 2nd Floor, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2
Email:andrea.smallwood@ontario.ca
Phone: 519-826-3701
Fax: 519-826-3492
Title: Policy Advisor, Legislative Policy Unit
Branch: Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch
Address:1 Stone Road West, 2nd Floor, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2
Email:andrea.smallwood@ontario.ca
Phone: 519-826-3701
Fax: 519-826-3492
Effective Date:
January 1, 2016
Decision:
Approved