Manufacturers Applaud Harper Government's Food Regulatory Reforms

Government Bill Addresses Delays to Food and Drug Approvals

TORONTO, April 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) strongly supports legislation which will bring about much needed improvement to the way food and drugs are approved in Canada.

This legislation will give Canadians access to the new and innovative products they are demanding, protect product safety and help our manufacturing sector grow.

Bill C-38 was introduced in the House of Commons today and contains key provisions in section 422-429 regarding the modernization of Canada's food and drug regulations.

The modernization and simplification of these regulations are long overdue. They will address ongoing approval delays that are stifling innovation and limiting consumer choice in Canada.

FCPC is pleased to see the government's new approach to address regulatory delays and uphold Canada's exemplary safety standards. Product safety is, and will remain, the number one priority for Canada's food and consumer product manufacturers.

QUOTES

"We strongly support the federal government's move to address these regulatory delays. The changes announced today will bring Canadians more of the products they have been asking for, support innovation and jobs in our sector and uphold Canada's exemplary safety standards."

- Nancy Croitoru, President & CEO, Food & Consumer Products of Canada

FACTS

• The food and consumer products manufacturing industry employs 300,000 Canadians - the largest employer in the manufacturing sector.
  
  
• More than 80% of the products found on Canadian grocery store shelves are manufactured by our industry.
  
  
• Our industry operates more than 6,000 manufacturing facilities in both urban and rural areas in every region in the country.
  
  
• In a 2009 report by the George Morris Centre Canada's food regulatory system was found to be lagging far behind those of leading nations in the world, seriously limiting consumer choice in the marketplace and holding back Canada's food and consumer product manufacturers.

Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) is the largest industry association in Canada representing the food and consumer products industry. Our member companies make and market retailer and national brands sold through grocery, drug, convenience, mass merchandise and foodservice distribution channels.

Derek Nighbor 
Senior Vice President Public & Regulatory Affairs
Food & Consumer Products of Canada
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