Canadian plant-based products ecosystem partnering to strengthen regulatory system

Protein Industries Canada is partnering with Pulse Canada, Plant-Based Foods of Canada and Loblaw Companies Limited to examine Canadian regulations related to the plant-based foods and ingredients sector to support regulatory modernization.

Using consumer surveys, lab experiments and regulatory experiments, the partners will engage with government to prioritize consumer health and safety while addressing knowledge gaps to help inform regulatory modernization in the following four areas:

- Protein labelling claims (e.g. determining whether a food is considered a “good source of protein”);
- Naming conventions around plant-based foods (e.g., how and when companies can use words such as “plant-based cheese,” “sausage” or “patties”);
- Discretionary fortification of simulated plant-based meat and poultry products on nutrient intake; and
- Development of in vitro methods to evaluate protein digestibility.

“The Government of Canada is committed to pursuing a transparent and more responsive regulatory system to support innovation and economic growth. These efforts will help generate the data and evidence needed to help food manufacturers communicate with their consumers, and will help position the sector to capture emerging opportunities in plant-based foods,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

In addition to their direct work on regulations, the partners will establish a virtual Regulatory Centre of Excellence, creating a central point of contact for businesses in the sector looking for information about regulations affecting their operations. This Centre will conduct activities such as providing resources and funding to SMEs seeking regulatory approvals, investing in studies directed toward regulatory change, and creating a repository of regulatory knowledge and experience.

“Canada has, deservedly, a strong and positive reputation for our high-quality food health and safety standards, thanks in large part to our regulatory system. With the support of modernized regulations, businesses across Canada’s plant-based products sector can better take hold of the opportunity ahead of them,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel. “Modernized regulations that support innovation not only support the businesses that already call Canada home, they also help attract new companies, further strengthening our global advantage while protecting and prioritizing the health of Canadians.”

This is Protein Industries Canada’s 39th project announcement, and the 12th under their capacity building stream. A total of $1.6 million is being invested into the project.