Ottawa, ON – Canadian Food Inspection Agency - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and protecting human health. That is why the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced today that the government has modernized Canada's beer standards.
The Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) outline specific requirements that must be met for a product to be labelled, packaged, sold, and advertised as beer in Canada. The changes to the FDR support business competitiveness by allowing Canadian companies more flexibility in what they use to make beer and how they do it.
This enables Canada's beer industry to create new and innovative products and gives consumers more variety in their choices when it comes to beer. It also provides clarity on what constitutes standardized beer. Brewers will be able to develop new products by using new ingredients and flavouring preparations while maintaining the integrity of beer.
In addition, under the amended regulations, beer labels must declare food allergens, gluten sources, or added sulphites. This will help Canadians with food allergies, celiac disease, or food sensitivities make more informed choices.
The new standard aligns with the Government of Canada's commitment to regulatory reform focussed on supporting innovation under Budget 2018 and the 2018 Fall Economic Statement. The goal is to make Canada's regulatory system more agile, transparent, and responsive to allow businesses to act on new opportunities, while continuing to protect Canadians' health and safety.
Source : Government of Canada