OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/14/14 -- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Today, Brad Butt, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, attended the Halal Food Fest in Toronto to promote the Government of Canada's new halal labelling requirements.
These new regulations will help consumers by requiring all food products labelled as halal to include the name of the certifying body. Consumers will have the assurance that halal food product meet a specific certifying body's standard so they can make informed food decisions about purchasing products that meet their religious requirements.
These regulations will also help industry by providing consistency and preventing mislabelling practices and claims regarding halal food products.
Following his announcement, MP Butt also toured the festival and visited with different halal food producers, manufacturers and retailers.
Quick Facts
- The amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on April 23, 2014 and will come into effect on April 4, 2016.
- The market for halal food products in Canada is estimated at $1 billion.
- The Halal Food Fest is the largest halal food festival in North America with over 30,000 visitors attending the two-day event.
Quote
"Our Government is dedicated to working with industry and consumers to improve food labelling in Canada. By making this change, industry will be able to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about halal food products. "
- Brad Butt, Member of Parliament for Mississauga - Streetsville
Associated Links
- Notice to Industry - Government of Canada improves labelling of halal food products
- Industry Labelling Tool
- Interactive Labelling Tool
Contacts:
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
